KUCHING, 16 OCTOBER 2024 – The 7th International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2024, themed “AI for Sustainable Development: Navigating the Green and Circular Future,” has been officially launched at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) earlier today. The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, Premier of Sarawak, inaugurated the event and highlighted the state’s leadership in embracing AI-driven initiatives for both economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Taking place from 16th to 17th October, IDECS 2024 has attracted a diverse range of participants, including local and international experts, policymakers, innovators, and academicians, all eager to explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can drive sustainability and bolster economic development. The opening ceremony included significant announcements, notably the launch of the Sarawak Digital Residency Programme and the Sarawak Technology and Innovation Sandbox, which represent major milestones in Sarawak’s ambition to establish a globally competitive digital economy.
In his address, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari emphasised the critical role of AI as a strategic enabler for sustainable development, highlighting Sarawak’s initiatives to integrate these advanced solutions across industries for both economic growth and environmental stewardship. He stated, “With innovation at our core, the Sarawak Government is leveraging cutting-edge digital technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to enhance government services and improve the business landscape. As we enhance our AI capabilities, we anticipate significant advancements with Generative AI that will propel our digital transformation and improve service delivery for all citizens. This technology is poised to redefine knowledge work and elevate performance across the entire economy.”
To support this vision, the Sarawak Digital Residency Programme and the Sarawak Technology and Innovation Sandbox have been established to attract global digital professionals and innovators. These initiatives provide a vibrant and supportive ecosystem where remote workers, international entrepreneurs, and startups can thrive and collaborate with local industries. Ultimately, they aim to drive economic growth and accelerate digital transformation in the region.
Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari also highlighted that IDECS 2024’s focus on green technologies, circular supply chains, and collaborative partnerships aligns with Sarawak’s mission to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship.
The State Secretary of Sarawak and IDECS 2024 Chairman, Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Abu Bakar bin Marzuki, shared the Premier’s optimism about AI’s transformative potential. He mentioned, “The success of AI adoption in Sarawak will depend on our capacity to train future AI leaders, reskill and upskill the current workforce, and cultivate a culture of continuous learning. IDECS 2024 serves as a platform for global collaboration on AI initiatives, promoting the sharing of best practices to help shape policies and regulatory frameworks and spark research opportunities, strengthening Sarawak’s path to becoming a global digital economy leader.”
The conference consisted of high-level discussions on the role of AI in addressing global challenges, building sustainable business models, and positioning Sarawak as a digital hub in Southeast Asia. Dr. Jordan Nguyen, a renowned AI futurist, delivered a powerful keynote titled “The Future with AI”, where he discussed how AI will transform industries, enable sustainable innovations, and unlock opportunities across global markets. His address highlighted AI’s role in accelerating Sarawak’s transition to a green economy and fostering innovation in line with the state’s ambitions.
The opening ceremony’s significance was underscored by the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), highlighting a diverse range of collaborations centered on digital transformation, sustainability, and technological innovation. Key participants included the Sarawak Government, the Malaysian Immigration Department, SDEC, TM, Powerplants Australia, MRANTI, Tegas, StartUp Borneo, WITSA, CENTEXS, Angkasa-X, Kintone Southeast Asia Sdn. Bhd., Greenbay, Solarvest, Plum Consulting LLP, MEASAT, MSC Trustgate, NetRunner, SMD Semiconductor Sdn. Bhd., Silicon Catalyst LLC, Siemens Electronic Design Automation Pte. Ltd., Cambridge Microelectronics Limited, The Hive Climate AI and Weeteq. These agreements reflect a shared commitment to fostering innovation, sustainability, and digital growth across multiple sectors.
The conference also highlighted the achievements of Malaysian tech scale-up Pandai Education, which emerged as the global champion of the WITSA World Cup Tournament, winning the Zohari Challenge Trophy at the 28th World Congress on Innovation and Technology (WCIT) 2024. Meanwhile, Entomal Biotech Sdn Bhd, an alumnus of Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) Digital Village Accelerator (DiVA) programme, secured the Silver Medal. The WITSA World Cup is a prestigious global event that promotes collaboration between investors, governments, industry leaders, and tech scale-ups from 80 countries, fostering opportunities for investment, talent development, and growth. Additionally, in recognition of his profound contributions to the digital economy and humanity, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari was honoured with the ‘Eminent Person Award’ by WITSA last year, a distinction further celebrated by the establishment of the Zohari Cup in his honour.
Hosted by the Sarawak Government, IDECS 2024 is jointly organised by the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA), and Sarawak Information Systems (SAINS). It is proudly sponsored by Huawei, Telekom Malaysia, SDEC, SMD Semiconductor, Sarawak Media Group (SMG) and Grab.
The public will be able to enjoy free access to the exciting exhibition and the immersive Digital Art Fest, where innovation and creativity take center stage. Simply register online for a hassle-free experience, or feel free to walk-in and register on-site for an event pass.
For more information and to attend the second day of IDECS 2024, please visit the official website at idecs2024.com.my. Follow IDECS 2024 Facebook and LinkedIn pages (IDECS 2024) and Instagram page (idecs2024) to stay updated with the latest news, programme, and happenings.