Singapore AI leader praises Sarawak's visionary digital push
KUCHING (July 2): Sarawak and Singapore can strengthen bilateral ties through collaborative youth initiatives and a shared vision in artificial intelligence (AI) and innovation, said AI Visionary Society Singapore Founder and CEO, Soh Wan Wei.
Speaking to reporters after delivering her talk titled 'Generative AI in Media: Balancing Innovation & Responsibility' at the Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2025 here today, Soh highlighted ongoing efforts to build partnerships between the two regions.
'I also run a ground-up initiative called AIGents of Change in Singapore, and we have been working very closely with the Singapore Global Network.
'The sole mission of the Singapore Global Network is to strengthen friendships between Singapore and forward-looking, visionary regions like Sarawak,' she told The Borneo Post .
Soh, who has a background in corporate communications and over eight years of background as a global keynote speaker in AI, media, and blockchain, also expressed admiration for Sarawak's digital and technological initiatives – particularly the development of its own AI model known as DeepSAR (DeepSarawak), designed to suit the state's unique digital landscape and resources.
'I think DeepSAR is very mind-blowing to me.
'How would a leader even think of DeepSAR? That process of thinking is so inspiring. Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg must have such insight and conviction that Sarawakians can do it – that we can succeed on the global stage,' she said.
Soh said she hopes to tap into her current collaborations with the Singapore Global Network to build closer ties with Sarawak's youth and community.
'I wish to leverage my working relationship with the Singapore Global Network to strengthen engagement with young people in Sarawak, as well as the broader community.
'I believe Sarawak is a visionary society, and I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to visit,' she added.
She also shared a personal connection to Sarawak from her school days.
'When we were 11 or 12 years old, Sarawak and Sabah were always mentioned in our social studies books – about the formation of Malaysia, and how Sarawak, Singapore, and Sabah came together to form the country,' she recalled.
Reflecting on the potential for deeper cross-border collaboration, Soh expressed optimism that partnerships can be explored further.
'The Premier has clearly outlined Sarawak's vision, and I hope the relationship with Singapore will support and strengthen that direction,' she said. AI artificial intelligence Singapore Soh Wan Wei
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