BARCELONA, 27 FEBRUARY 2024 – In a momentous occasion during the Executive Meeting between the Sarawak Delegation and Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd at Mobile World Congress 2024 (MWC 2024), two key Sarawak agencies exchanged Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with Huawei, solidifying their commitment to advancing digital initiatives in the region. The signings were witnessed by YB Dato Sri Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi, Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak.

The first MoU was exchanged between Sarawak Information Systems Sdn. Bhd. (SAINS) and Huawei, paving the way for collaboration in the critical areas of Sarawak Smart City and Digital Infrastructure. The partnership aims to harness Huawei’s technological prowess and SAINS’ local insights to propel Sarawak into the forefront of smart city innovations.

The second MoU, exchanged between Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) and Huawei, focuses on enhancing digital infrastructure, connectivity, and digital inclusivity in Sarawak. This collaboration emphasizes a shared vision to support the Sarawak Government’s digitalisation initiatives and looks into three main collaborative efforts.

Exchanging the MoU on behalf of SDEC and Huawei were Chief Executive Officer Ir. Ts. Sudarnoto Osman and General Manager of Huawei East Malaysia Jason Deng, respectively.

The initiative to accelerate rural areas’ wireless network coverage expansion aims to propel Sarawak’s digital economy adoption by extending high-speed broadband connectivity to suburban and rural areas. Through innovative solutions designed for rapid deployment, unconnected settlements will be linked, fostering greater participation in the digital ecosystem.

The other initiative which is to establish a fibre optic backbone network across Sarawak leverages existing fibre infrastructure and pioneering optical transmission solutions. The network will serve as the backbone for ultra-high bandwidth connectivity, positioning Sarawak for a future-oriented digital landscape.

Also part of the partnership is to drive the efforts toward establishing a digital village as a model for connected communities. This initiative includes providing consultancy services and advanced technologies to support the Sarawak Government in its digital transformation journey, fostering digital inclusivity and empowering communities.

Commenting on the partnership, Chief Executive Officer of SDEC Ir. Ts. Sudarnoto Osman remarked that the collaboration with Huawei is a significant step towards realising Sarawak’s digital aspirations.

“Together, we will work towards creating a robust digital ecosystem that fosters innovation and economic development, and ensure that the benefits of technology are accessible to all segments of our society,” he added.

Present to witness the exchange was Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak YB Dato Sri Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi who expressed his support for the collaborations.

“I am delighted to witness these strategic partnerships between Huawei, SDEC and SAINS. These collaborations align with our vision for a digitally empowered Sarawak and will undoubtedly contribute to Sarawak’s growth in the digital era,” he said.