17-07-2025
Digital Ministry brings AI, tech awareness to rural students in Belaga
Ugak (seated fifth left) in a photocall with other guests and students.
BELAGA (July 17): The Digital Ministry remains committed to accelerating the national digitalisation agenda through grassroots initiatives such as the Jelajah Komuniti Digital programme, said Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong.
Speaking during the programme at SMK Belaga on Wednesday, the Hulu Rajang MP said the outreach aims to boost digital awareness among rural communities, particularly students in remote areas.
'It not only introduces digital education but also empowers students with knowledge, career insights, awareness on online scams, and the relevance of emerging technologies in everyday life,' he said.
Ugak noted that the initiative reflects the ministry's broader mission to nurture a 'digital-first' mindset and foster a more inclusive, tech-ready society.
Held in collaboration with key agencies under the ministry, including the Department of Personal Data Protection, MYNIC Berhad, and official tech partner Alibaba Cloud, the programme features modules on digital literacy, data privacy, digital identity, and early exposure to artificial intelligence (AI).
'We are now in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, driven by technologies such as AI.
'AI is no longer a futuristic concept, it is already embedded in our daily lives. In education, AI is used to analyse student performance and automatically recommend suitable learning content,' he said.
He cited examples of AI in education, where smart platforms now analyse student performance and generate tailored quizzes, notes, and exercises to support teachers.
Ugak also highlighted AI applications in healthcare where it helps doctors diagnose conditions using scan images such as MRIs and X-rays and in agriculture, where it aids in disease detection, weather monitoring, and optimal harvesting.
'Even in our daily lives, AI is present in digital assistants like Siri or Google Assistant, organising our photos and videos or offering personalised shopping suggestions,' he said.
He stressed that rural students must be equipped with digital skills from an early age, and assured that the ministry will continue expanding education-based initiatives to bridge the digital divide in Sarawak.
The event drew over 300 students, 40 community leaders, and representatives from various government agencies across the Belaga district.
Students also took part in a casual dialogue session with the Deputy Minister and participated in hands-on tech-based activities. AI belaga digital digital ministry Wilson Ugak
