By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Oct 16: Sarawak has taken a significant step forward in its digital transformation journey with the launch of De Rantau Sarawak, the first initiative under the newly unveiled Sarawak Digital Residency Programme (SDRP).
According to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, De Rantau Sarawak will open for applications early next year in collaboration with Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), further strengthening Malaysia’s position as a leading destination for digital nomads in Southeast Asia.
“The SDRP is a bold initiative aimed at attracting professionals, remote workers, foreign entrepreneurs, and investors to Sarawak. With flexible terms, we are positioning Sarawak as an inclusive digital hub that welcomes global talent,” he said during his speech at the opening ceremony of the 7th International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2024, at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.
The Premier announced the launch of two groundbreaking initiatives—SDRP and the Sarawak Technology and Innovation Sandbox—which will significantly advance Sarawak’s digital agenda.
Abang Johari said that the Sarawak Technology and Innovation Sandbox initiative, developed in collaboration with the National Technology and Innovation Sandbox, Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), Startup Borneo, and Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (Tegas), is specifically designed to support the State’s transition to a knowledge-based economy.
“The STI Sandbox is expected to drive innovation in agritech, smart cities, and cultural industries, positioning Sarawak as a food security hub and supporting the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030, aligning with Sarawak’s commitment to balancing progress with sustainable innovation.
“Together, these initiatives reinforce our commitment to fostering a vibrant, innovative, and globally connected digital economy,” said Abang Johari, highlighting Sarawak’s bold ambition to become a leading digital economy by 2030.
The event was attended by various dignitaries and officials, including Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar; Sarawak Minister for Utility and Telecommunication (MUT), Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi; Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; SDEC chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani; and Sarawak Information Systems (SAINS) chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam. — DayakDaily
