KUCHING, 18 OCTOBER 2024 – The Sarawak Government, together with Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA), and Sarawak Information Systems (SAINS), successfully hosted the 7th International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2024, gathering over 2,500 participants to explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in driving sustainable development.
Under the theme “AI for Sustainable Development: Navigating the Green and Circular Future,” IDECS 2024 concluded yesterday after two days of impactful discussions and sessions. Held from 16th to 17th October, the conference emphasised the critical role of AI in advancing green technologies and promoting circular economies, with insights from global leaders and innovators focused on leveraging AI for sustainability.
The conference culminated in a Gala Dinner, attended by Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg and Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak, The Honourable Dato Sri Haji Julaihi Haji Narawi.
In his appreciation address, Dato Sri Haji Julaihi acknowledged the role IDECS plays in establishing organisations that are vital to Sarawak’s economic growth. He said “In previous years, IDECS has played a key role in the creation of important institutions like Development Bank of Sarawak (DBos), Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA), and Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC). These institutions have been essential in advancing initiatives and policies that bolster the digital economy strategy and remain vital in shaping Sarawak’s future as a digitally empowered state.”
At the closing Gala Dinner, the Digital Economy Awards (DEA) 2024, organised for the third time by Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) were presented to exceptional recipients across five categories, each receiving a prize of RM10,000. Additionally, the Premier’s Digital Economy Award, worth RM20,000 was awarded to a winner selected from the recipients of these categories. DEA 2024 aimed to recognise digital initiatives that transform Sarawak into a leading digital society by leveraging AI for sustainability. Participants from various sectors, including public and private industries, GLCs, Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), NGOs, and individuals, were assessed based on factors such as digital strategy formulation, project execution, innovation, and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
“The awards we celebrate tonight are not only about recognising achievement but also about inspiring future innovation. Sarawak’s digital future lies in the hands of visionaries, pioneers, and innovators – those who dare to think differently, collaborate, and push the envelope in ways that will bring about lasting change. Through categories such as the Micro Small Medium Enterprise (MSMEs) Award, the Research & Development Award, the Technology Start-Up Award, the Digital Government Award, and the Sustainability Award, we are shining a spotlight on those who are leading the charge in these critical areas,” Dato Sri Haji Julaihi added.
The audience was also mesmerised by a distinctive performance from Grammy-winning artist Dana Leong, in which their brain waves were incorporated into his unique AI-infused act. Leong, a composer and music producer, is also the founder of @TEKTONIKmusic.org, an online platform created to facilitate collaboration among musicians and raise funds for regions affected by natural disasters.
Earlier today, witnessed by YB Dato Sri Roland Sagah, Minister for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Sarawak, additional MOUs were signed, aimed at empowering local MSMEs and driving digital transformation. The partnerships involved key players like Yayasan Hasanah, Macro Tech Ventures Sdn Bhd, and Dynamik Technologies Sdn Bhd, among others.
School students and the public also had the chance to experience the immersive Huawei-sponsored Digital Art Festival. Other notable activities included demo and pitching sessions for the Founder’s Forge and Capture the Flag programmes. Founder’s Forge is a six-month pre-accelerator initiative aimed at early-stage entrepreneurs in Sarawak, emphasising innovation and business development, with pitches highlighting their progress. Meanwhile, Capture the Flag, a cybersecurity hackathon organized by Curtin University Malaysia and SDEC provided insights into ethical hacking through real-time problem-solving. Both programmes were focused on fostering youth engagement in ethical, human-centered technological innovation and advancement.
In YB Dato’ Sri Haji Julaihi Narawi’s keynote speech this morning, he underscored the vital role of innovation and digital transformation in Sarawak’s future. He highlighted the Sarawak Government’s ongoing efforts to harness AI and Big Data to drive economic growth, social inclusivity, and environmental sustainability under the Sarawak Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS 2030) and Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030.
IDECS 2024 marked an important milestone in Sarawak’s ongoing digital transformation, showcasing AI’s potential to drive both green technologies and inclusive growth. Through the initiatives launched and discussions initiated during the conference, Sarawak is fostering a collaborative and innovative digital ecosystem that addresses current challenges while preparing the state for future opportunities. The conference was made possible by the support of key sponsors, including Huawei, Telekom Malaysia, SDEC, SMD Semiconductor, Sarawak Media Group (SMG), and Grab.
