By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 16: The Sarawak government has invested a total of RM3.5 billion over the past five years to accelerate the development of the digital sector and strengthen digital infrastructure across the region.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this significant investment was channelled through key state agencies such as the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA), Centre for Technical Excellence Sarawak (Centexs), and Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC).
“This equates to about RM600 million per year from our own state revenue. We have consistently funded this ourselves because we view it as a long-term investment. Ultimately, the people will benefit from this,” he said during the Malaysia Digital Tour @ Kuching event held at Tegas Digital Village today.
Abang Johari emphasised that digitalisation requires a holistic and inclusive approach encompassing the entire economic spectrum.
As part of these efforts, Sarawak has introduced various programmes aimed at easing the cost of living for the B40 group, such as the Sarawak Basic Needs Financial Assistance (SKAS) initiative, which incorporates digital literacy and cashless transactions through the SPay Global e-wallet.
“Digitalisation is not just about upgrading infrastructure. It involves transforming all sectors of the economy. For example, in helping our lower-income communities, we embed technology to improve access to basic needs and services,” he explained.
Reflecting on Sarawak’s broader economic outlook, Abang Johari shared insights from a recent discussion with top professors at the London School of Economics (LSE).
He said Sarawak is fortunate to be rich in natural capital—its natural assets—but stressed that human capital is the key to unlocking its full potential.
“We must maintain and preserve our natural capital. But what we need now is human capital—well-trained individuals who can use technology to add value to our natural assets. This is where digitalisation plays a crucial role. In places like Bau, for instance, we have the resources. What we need is the technology and expertise to transform those resources into high-value products,” he said.
The Premier reaffirmed Sarawak’s commitment to advancing digital transformation as a core strategy in achieving long-term socioeconomic progress for all Sarawakians.
The Malaysia Digital Tour, organised by the Ministry of Digital through Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), is an initiative to empower the public with digital skills and spotlight the country’s digital creative ecosystem. The Kuching leg focused on animation, digital games, and creative technologies, with participation from high-performing Sarawakian companies.
Minister of Digital Malaysia Gobind Singh Deo, Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong and Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Sarawak Datuk Len Talif Salleh were among the distinguished guests present. — DayakDaily
