Minister: DigitalNEXUS programme signifies Sarawak's digital innovation leadership vision
KUCHING (July 2): The inaugural Digital Technology Nexus (DigitalNEXUS) highlights Sarawak's vision of becoming a regional leader in digital innovation.
Introduced by Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), the two-day programme at the Hilton Hotel here aims to foster knowledge-sharing, collaboration and innovation in digital technology.
It brings together academics, students, industry players and also those representing government agencies to explore the emerging technological trends including artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, the metaverse, Internet of Things (IoT), and 'Big Data' analytics.
Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, in his keynote address for the opening ceremony yesterday, said digital transformation remained a key pillar of the state's economic and social development, in line with the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030.
In this regard, he underscored the government's continued investment in digital infrastructure and AI development, including the rollout of hyperscale data centres, rural connectivity through Sarawak Multimedia Authority Rural Telecommunications (SMART) towers and Sarawak Rural Broadband Network (MySRBN), as well as digital skills programmes aimed at narrowing the urban-rural divide.
'Partnerships between academia, industry and government, such as what we see here at DigitalNEXUS, are crucial towards achieving that goal,' said Julaihi in his speech, which was read out by the ministry's deputy permanent secretary Syed Mohamad Fauzi Shabab.
Meanwhile, in his remarks, Unimas vice-chancellor Prof Ahmad Hata Rasit described the programme as 'timely and necessary, given the accelerating pace of digital transformation'.
'We are now at a pivotal moment in history.
'The speed of digital transformation is not just fast; it is accelerating at an exponential pace.
'Universities are not just consumers of technology; we are creators, educators, and incubators of ideas that will drive the next wave of innovation.'
Ahmad Hata also reaffirmed Unimas' commitment of integrating digital literacy across its curriculum, investing in cutting-edge research and cultivating a culture meant to empower students and academics to lead in the digital age.
'DigitalNEXUS is a testament to that commitment,' he added.
'Let us use this event to think boldly, challenge the status quo, and collectively imagine a future where technology serves humanity in the most impactful ways possible.'
The opening day yesterday featured thought leaders such as Google for Education (Malaysia and Brunei) country head Danial Azizan Abdullah Henry; Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) head of digital tech ecosystem Victor Lo, Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS) expert Simon Tiong, CyberSecurity Malaysia chief technology and chief information security officer Wan Roshaimi Wan Abdullah, Patentsworth International founder and chief executive officerIrfan Awang, and also Prof Anna Grosman of Loughborough University London.
The event was organised in collaboration with industry partners, and federal and state agencies and supported by Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), with key partners including the National Digital Department, SMA, SAINS, Google for Education, CelcomDigi, CyberSecurity Malaysia, Patentsworth International, Oceanus Media Global (Singapore), Intelli Technologies (Vietnam), Insight Analytics (Vietnam), Forever Young Society, Emma Industries, Pay & Go, Genesis Circle Sdn Bhd, and Global Telecom.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
19 hours ago
- Borneo Post
DigitalNEXUS 2025 marks milestone in Sarawak's tech transformation, says Premier
Sagah (second left) listens to a briefing during his visit to DigitalNEXUS in Kuching. KUCHING (July 2): The Unimas Digital Technology Nexus (DigitalNEXUS) 2025 has reaffirmed Sarawak's strong commitment to accelerating digital transformation through infrastructure development, innovation, and digital talent cultivation. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak is steadfast in its effort to expand digital infrastructure, nurture a digitally skilled workforce, and foster innovation across all sectors. 'DigitalNEXUS serves as a vital platform to assess our progress, identify areas for improvement, and, most importantly, reignite our collective passion for this transformative agenda,' said Abang Johari in a speech delivered by Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn at the event's closing here yesterday. Abang Johari noted that the state's vision for digital advancement is clearly outlined in the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), in which Digital Economy is one of the core pillars. He added that the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030 acts as a strategic roadmap to realise this vision, outlining actionable steps across key areas such as infrastructure enhancement, human capital development, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. 'DigitalNEXUS is not just a platform for discussion. It is a collaborative space for ideation, knowledge sharing, and forging partnerships,' he said. Abang Johari also highlighted the importance of youth in shaping Sarawak's digital future, citing their strong participation throughout the event as an encouraging sign. 'Our young generation is at the forefront of this digital revolution. I am heartened by the high involvement of students, from primary schools to university level,' he said. 'We must equip them with the skills and opportunities to not only adapt to the digital age but to lead it. 'Investing in digital literacy and STEM education remains a top priority for our government.' The inaugural DigitalNEXUS 2025, held on July 1 and 2, was organised by Unimas under the Office of the Chief Digital Officer, in collaboration with industry partners and both federal and state agencies. The event aimed to promote knowledge sharing, networking, and innovation in digital technology, while serving as a platform for academics, students, and industry players to exchange insights and discuss key trends. Focus areas include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, the metaverse, the Internet of Things (IoT), and big data analytics. abang johari digita DigitalNEXUS lead Roland Sagah Unimas
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Borneo Post
Premier: Sarawak may see emergence of post-AI technology within a decade
Abang Johari fields questions from reporters during the press conference. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (July 2): Sarawak may witness the emergence of a new generation of advanced technology that surpasses the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) within the next five to ten years, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. According to Abang Johari, scientists are currently working on developing a new chip-based technology that could transform how machines process and verify information. 'That's where this technology is being developed. From what I've read, there is a chip that will be able to solve the problem. In the process of addressing this issue, the chip will be able to determine whether something is real or fake — essentially, it will serve as a kind of checkmate. 'But maybe in another five or ten years, we will have this technology. In this world, there must be natural opposites — up and down, light and dark, day and night. That kind of check and balance will eventually emerge. But it depends greatly on how this chip technology evolves. Ultimately, all of this comes down to the chip,' he said. Abang Johari was responding to a question on whether the government plans to introduce new laws to regulate deepfake content and prevent technology-related scams during a press conference after officiating the opening ceremony of the Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2025 at a hotel here today. 'This is the first time we are organising a conference specifically for the media, and we have chosen a very relevant topic in this new era of technology — the impact of AI on the media sector,' he said. He pointed out that current technological developments are advancing rapidly, driven primarily by innovations in chip technology. 'AI-generated content heavily depends on the objectives of its users. But in reality, AI is incredibly useful in sectors like healthcare and machine manufacturing, where it enables the creation of new devices by humans. 'That is why the question of ethics is crucial — it depends on the values of the natural brain, the human brain, and the artificial brain,' he said. Abang Johari also touched on biomedical developments, highlighting the potential for AI to enhance human brain function through neurological concepts. 'If there are certain weaknesses in the human brain, the artificial brain can help boost it. In healthcare, we are now seeing the emergence of what is called generative medicine, where communication happens between cells — a stronger cell can help reinforce a weaker one,' he explained. He added that AI, which began gaining traction just seven years ago, evolved from earlier technologies like virtual and augmented reality. 'Initially, what existed was virtual reality, where small things could be visualised as large. But now, that capability has merged with the machine's ability to think,' he said. However, with the advancement of AI, there are growing concerns about misuse, especially through deepfakes. 'Deepfake content is becoming widespread — for example, earlier when I was shown to speak on the screen. That is the technology. 'So, there must be a technology that can verify whether something is genuine or not. Otherwise, scams will evolve — from data-based scams to vision-based ones,' he warned. Therefore, Abang Johari emphasised that the evolution of technology, particularly in verifying authenticity, is already being researched and will likely play a major role in the near future. Earlier, in his officiating speech, Abang Johari shared that a post-AI technology is currently under research by scientists, though details remain confidential. 'After AI, there will be another technology. It is currently being studied by scientists, and I cannot reveal much at the moment. But there will be an added technology alongside AI — a technology that can act as a checkmate to AI. 'Technology can check another technology. The research is being undertaken by scientists, and it is fundamentally based on algorithms,' he said. Touching on the conference, Abang Johari expressed hope that it would establish a clear parameter between ethics and artificial intelligence (AI). He stressed that the future will be determined by code — code that will shape the fabric of society. 'For Sarawak, we believe in balancing the natural and artificial approaches,' he said. He also highlighted the importance of instilling a strong value system in the use of AI. 'We must not misuse it. AI is just a machine — a machine without the human touch. We, as humans, have emotions. 'And with that, I wish you all the best in this conference,' he added. abang johari AI chip-based technology lead Sarawak Media Conference 2025
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Borneo Post
Minister: DigitalNEXUS programme signifies Sarawak's digital innovation leadership vision
Ahmad Hata listens as two young DigitalNEXUS 2025 exhibitors explain their project report on flood-safe smart kit monitoring and alert system. — Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (July 2): The inaugural Digital Technology Nexus (DigitalNEXUS) highlights Sarawak's vision of becoming a regional leader in digital innovation. Introduced by Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), the two-day programme at the Hilton Hotel here aims to foster knowledge-sharing, collaboration and innovation in digital technology. It brings together academics, students, industry players and also those representing government agencies to explore the emerging technological trends including artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, the metaverse, Internet of Things (IoT), and 'Big Data' analytics. Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, in his keynote address for the opening ceremony yesterday, said digital transformation remained a key pillar of the state's economic and social development, in line with the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030. In this regard, he underscored the government's continued investment in digital infrastructure and AI development, including the rollout of hyperscale data centres, rural connectivity through Sarawak Multimedia Authority Rural Telecommunications (SMART) towers and Sarawak Rural Broadband Network (MySRBN), as well as digital skills programmes aimed at narrowing the urban-rural divide. 'Partnerships between academia, industry and government, such as what we see here at DigitalNEXUS, are crucial towards achieving that goal,' said Julaihi in his speech, which was read out by the ministry's deputy permanent secretary Syed Mohamad Fauzi Shabab. Meanwhile, in his remarks, Unimas vice-chancellor Prof Ahmad Hata Rasit described the programme as 'timely and necessary, given the accelerating pace of digital transformation'. 'We are now at a pivotal moment in history. 'The speed of digital transformation is not just fast; it is accelerating at an exponential pace. 'Universities are not just consumers of technology; we are creators, educators, and incubators of ideas that will drive the next wave of innovation.' Ahmad Hata also reaffirmed Unimas' commitment of integrating digital literacy across its curriculum, investing in cutting-edge research and cultivating a culture meant to empower students and academics to lead in the digital age. 'DigitalNEXUS is a testament to that commitment,' he added. 'Let us use this event to think boldly, challenge the status quo, and collectively imagine a future where technology serves humanity in the most impactful ways possible.' The opening day yesterday featured thought leaders such as Google for Education (Malaysia and Brunei) country head Danial Azizan Abdullah Henry; Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) head of digital tech ecosystem Victor Lo, Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS) expert Simon Tiong, CyberSecurity Malaysia chief technology and chief information security officer Wan Roshaimi Wan Abdullah, Patentsworth International founder and chief executive officerIrfan Awang, and also Prof Anna Grosman of Loughborough University London. The event was organised in collaboration with industry partners, and federal and state agencies and supported by Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), with key partners including the National Digital Department, SMA, SAINS, Google for Education, CelcomDigi, CyberSecurity Malaysia, Patentsworth International, Oceanus Media Global (Singapore), Intelli Technologies (Vietnam), Insight Analytics (Vietnam), Forever Young Society, Emma Industries, Pay & Go, Genesis Circle Sdn Bhd, and Global Telecom.
