Latest news with #DigitalNEXUS
Borneo Post
02-07-2025
- Business
- 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
02-07-2025
- Business
- 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.
Borneo Post
01-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
S Pay Global records RM5.21 bln in transactions, marks cashless growth
Syed Mohamad Fauzi delivers the keynote address. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (July 1): Sarawak's financial technology platform, S Pay Global, recorded over 138 million transactions worth RM5.21 billion as of June 15, 2025, reflecting the state's accelerating transition toward a cashless digital economy. Utility and Telecommunication Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said the mobile application, formerly known as Sarawak Pay, has registered 1.59 million users and 94,700 merchants, marking steady growth in digital payment adoption. 'This platform, managed by SiliconNet Technologies and accredited by Bank Negara Malaysia, enables users to make digital payments for bills and purchases, with top-up options via online banking, credit or debit cards, and BSN agents. 'It supports a comprehensive cashless ecosystem with key features including QR code payments, bill splitting, fund transfers, eGifts, loyalty rewards, discount coupons, insurance services, study loan payments, food ordering, donations, parking payments, and more,' he said. His remarks were delivered by his ministry's deputy permanent secretary Syed Mohamad Fauzi Shahab during the Digital Technology Nexus 2025 (DigitalNEXUS) organised by Universiti Sarawak Malaysia (Unimas) at Hilton Hotel here today. Julaihi emphasised that as Sarawak deepens its digital footprint, a robust data governance structure is essential to support emerging technologies and public service transformation. 'We need to ensure that we have a comprehensive Data Governance and Management Framework focusing on People, Processes and Technology to maximise the value of Big Data,' he said. 'Since mid-2024, the Sarawak Multimedia Authority has been leading the development of a comprehensive Data Governance Framework for Sarawak.' He added that the final report outlines recommendations including legislative reforms, governance structures, and a phased roadmap for policy development, capacity building, and rollout. 'A phased roadmap which highlights the next steps in policy development, capacity building, and operational rollout will commence this year,' he said. cashless payment julaihi narawi s pay global Syed Mohamad Fauzi
