Latest news with #SarawakDigitalEconomyBlueprint2030
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
16-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Malaysia's first Net Zero Centre of Excellence to open in Kuching
Sudarnoto (left) and Arun sign on the MoU. Among those witnessing the signing is Batu Kitang assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang (back second right). KUCHING (June 16): Malaysia's first Net Zero Centre of Excellence will be established here through a strategic partnership between Univers, a global leader in AI and IoT technology for energy, and Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC). Univers and SDEC issued a joint statement today announcing the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the strategic partnership. 'The new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy,' said the statement. Amongst others, the partnership will explore how digital tools can improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and drive operational excellence across Sarawak's key economic sectors. Additional joint efforts may include skills-building programmes and knowledge-sharing initiatives to nurture local talent and ideas. The statement also said the partnership will focus on three core areas namely Advisory and Enablement, Research and Development (R&D), and Innovation and Commercial Deployment. These include designing digital strategies and advisory services for businesses and public agencies, drawing on Univers' global experience in Net Zero and AI technologies. It will also involve establishing Open Labs, Testbeds, and Living Labs to drive research and co-create new intellectual property tailored to the region's needs. They will also be launching real-world net zero projects across key sectors, from energy to hospitality, using AI to unlock smarter, cleaner ways of operating. 'Sustainability is a journey built on data, collaboration, and action. We are bringing AI for Energy to the forefront — using intelligent systems to transition to a low-carbon economy and enable emerging regions like Sarawak to leapfrog toward a net zero future,' Univers global vice president Arun Poojari said in the statement. SDEC chief executive officer Datuk Sudarnoto Osman said the agreement also aligns with Sarawak's broader ambition to build a digitally driven and environmentally sustainable economy as outlined in the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030. 'At SDEC, we exist with a designer's mindset to connect people to opportunities, data to decisions, innovation to infrastructure. As a state-owned agency entrusted with more than just delivering digital projects, our mandate is to orchestrate a resilient, inclusive, and future-facing digital economy that fits the aspirations of all Sarawakians. 'Sarawak is not dipping its toes into AI. We are using it right now. This collaboration is a significant step towards shaping a future where digital solutions are embedded in the way we design and sustain our built environment,' he added.
Borneo Post
31-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Shoraka Kenyalang, Kopela launch ‘Bayar Jak' to boost financial inclusion in Sarawak
Handout photo shows the representatives of SKSB and Kopela at the signing ceremony held in Bintulu. KUCHING (May 31): Shoraka Kenyalang Sdn Bhd (SKSB) has collaborated with Koperasi Pelabuhan Bintulu Berhad (Kopela) in launching 'Bayar Jak', an all-in-one Islamic fintech liquidity platform. This strategic partnership marks the rollout of Earned Wage Access (EWA) services to Kopela cooperative members, empowering employees with real-time access to a portion of their earned wages, any time before payday. 'Designed to promote financial inclusion and reduce dependence on high-interest loans or unregulated lenders, Bayar Jak integrates seamlessly with employer payroll systems. 'Through its secure digital platform, employees can view and withdraw accrued earnings as needed, offering greater cash flow flexibility, particularly in times of financial need,' said SKSB in a statement. It added that Bayar Jak would continue to expand its suite of syariah-compliant digital financial services. 'Planned offerings include digital invoice financing solutions for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and tailored private credit facilities for civil servants, supporting the broader objectives of the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030.' Bayar Jak, a strategic partnership between SKSB, a subsidiary of Shoraka Group and Kopela, the cooperative arm of Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad (BPHB), reflects a mutual commitment to advancing financial wellness and inclusion across Sarawak. Bayar Jak is operated by SKSB, a member of the Sarawak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI). It is aimed at empowering Sarawakians, local businesses and SMEs through syariah-compliant, accessible financial solutions that support economic resilience. As a cooperative associated with Bintulu Port in Sarawak, Kopela focuses on member welfare, economic participation and community development. Most of its members are employees of BPHB. Bayar Jak's EWA service also supports Sarawak's broader agenda to promote financial inclusion and well-being, offering a safer, more sustainable alternative to predatory lending practices. For more information about Bayar Jak, go to Bayar Jak Islamic fintech liquidity platform Kopela Shoraka Kenyalang
Borneo Post
20-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Awang Tengah: Land Code (Amendment) Bill 2025 to modernise land governance in Sarawak
Awang Tengah delivers his speech during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today. – Ukas photo KUCHING (May 20): The state government has introduced the Land Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aimed at modernising the State's land management and administration system in line with current economic, environmental, and technological demands, said Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. Describing the amendments as timely and necessary, the Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development said they come in response to Sarawak's rapidly evolving socio-economic landscape and increasing developmental pressures. 'This Bill seeks to streamline operational procedures, strengthen enforcement powers, refine planning policies, and incorporate digital innovations to ensure the State's land governance is transparent, efficient, and future-ready. 'These changes are aligned with Sarawak's Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) and the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030,' he added when tabling the Bill during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today. He said a key highlight of the Bill is the comprehensive regulation of rock materials and the revised Section 32A, which now requires proper licensing for the extraction, removal, and transportation of rock materials within the State, expanding the scope of the previous provision which only covered their removal. Individuals or entities involved at any stage—on-site or during transit—must now obtain the necessary licence issued by the Director of Lands and Surveys Sarawak. 'Penalties for violations have been significantly raised, with offenders liable to fines between RM50,000 and RM500,000 or imprisonment for up to five years, or both. A legal presumption clause has been introduced, making those found in possession of rock materials liable unless proven otherwise. 'Courts are also mandated to impose a minimum payment of ten times the value of unpaid royalties or payments due to the government,' he said. In addition, a newly inserted Section 32AA prohibits the transportation of rock materials out of Sarawak without a specific licence, or those found exporting without valid authorisation. Those in breach of these may now face a fine of between RM100,000 and RM1 million, or imprisonment for up to five years, or both. Together, they provide a comprehensive legal framework to govern the extraction, internal movement, and external export of rock materials, ensuring the protection and proper monetisation of Sarawak's natural resources. 'Other important provisions in the Bill include the introduction of Section 171A, which formalises the registration of wakaf (religious endowment) land in the Land Registry. This move empowers Majlis Islam Sarawak and also extends to other religions with similar practices, reinforcing Sarawak's inclusive approach to land rights and religious diversity,' he said. Meanwhile, he also said several enforcement-related sections have also been updated in which Section 209 now imposes a fine of up to RM500,000 or a jail term of up to five years for unlawful occupation, cultivation, or clearing of State land. Section 230 increases penalties for unauthorised subdivision and development to a maximum of RM3 million, with an added daily fine of RM5,000 for continued offences while amendments to Sections 209A and 209B broaden the scope of enforcement, including enhanced powers of arrest, eviction, and seizure. 'To improve judicial processes, amendments to Sections 63 and 65 now require that assessor opinions in land reference cases be formally recorded and their fees standardised. Administrative changes such as simplified procedures for issuing duplicate titles and the digital submission of documents reflect the government's push towards a more efficient and paperless system,' he said. Apart from that, he also said that the Bill also strengthens the powers of the State Planning Authority (SPA), allowing it to impose levies and fees related to development approvals and to regulate the submission of utility plans. Concluding his speech, he said the amendments reaffirm the government's commitment to responsive and responsible land governance that can adapt to rapid urbanisation and technological growth. He thus urged all members of the august House to support the Bill, stating that its passage is vital to ensuring sustainable and equitable development for all Sarawakians. Awang Tengah Ali Hasan DUN sitting Land Code (Amendment) Bill lead
