Premier Abang Johari calls for technology that serves humanity as global and local leaders gather in Kuching to shape a responsible digital future for the region

KUCHING, 22 OCTOBER 2025 – The 8th International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS25) officially opens today, uniting policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and innovators from Malaysia and abroad under the theme “AI & Green Evolution: Growth, Challenges & Community Resilience.”

Hosted by the Sarawak Government and organised by the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) in collaboration with the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) and Sarawak Information Systems Sdn. Bhd. (SAINS), with Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation (Bioeconomy Corporation) as Strategic Partner, the two-day conference runs from 22 to 23 October 2025 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).

Pre-event programmes include a closed-door Leaders Masterclass by transformation expert Dr Justin Cohen for leaders of the state, and a Masterclass with futurist and innovation strategist Scott Bales, setting the tone for two days of collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Over the next two days, IDECS25 serves as a platform for Sarawak to demonstrate how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and sustainability can work hand in hand to drive progress and inclusion. With over 10,000 delegates, 129 speakers, 204 exhibitions, and 40 sponsors, the event highlights Sarawak’s growing influence as one of Southeast Asia’s emerging leaders in the digital and green economy.

In his address, The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, Premier of Sarawak, emphasised that Sarawak’s pursuit of growth is guided by responsibility and humanity. He said progress must be matched with wisdom and purpose.

“Our progress must be guided by wisdom as much as innovation. As we embrace the AI and green evolution, Sarawak’s challenge is not only to grow faster, but to grow responsibly and build technologies that strengthen communities, sustain the environment, and uplift every Sarawakian. We can build systems that think faster, but they must also serve wiser,” he said.

The Premier noted that IDECS25 arrives at a decisive moment for the region, as technology and sustainability reshape the global economy. He reaffirmed Sarawak’s position as an active builder of this new economy, highlighting the state’s progress in connectivity, green transition, and human capital development.

IDECS25 continues Sarawak’s tradition of turning ideas into action. Among the key milestones announced this year are the launch of the Sarawak Pass, an AI-driven digital identity platform developed by Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) to provide secure access to state services supporting Sarawak’s goal of achieving a fully digital government by 2030.

In partnership with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Bioeconomy Corporation is also organising the National Bioeconomy Showcase 2025 (NBiOSHOWCASE) at IDECS25, presenting Malaysia’s latest innovations in biotechnology, circular economy, food security, and healthcare. The showcase highlights how AI and green technologies can reinforce one another to accelerate national sustainability goals.

Twelve Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were exchanged between Sarawak agencies and international partners, spanning digital infrastructure, AI-driven solutions, next-generation networks, and bio-based innovation. Witnessed by the Premier, these signings reflect Sarawak’s commitment to building a future-ready economy powered by technology and environmental stewardship.

Among them, SDEC formalised three strategic MOUs with Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia International (TELIN) and ITCO Niaga Sdn Bhd, and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC). These partnerships strengthen Sarawak’s digital foundation through collaboration in hybrid cloud infrastructure, cross-border connectivity, and digital talent development, reinforcing the region’s vision of secure, intelligent, and inclusive digital talent ecosystem under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030.

IDECS25’s thought-leadership sessions feature a distinguished line-up of global figures, including James Barrat, author of Our Final Invention; Associate Professor Yifei Li, environmental scholar and author of China Goes Green; Dr Ayesha Khanna, CEO of Addo AI; Scott Bales, innovation strategist; and Dr Justin Cohen, expert in human transformation and leadership.

The State Secretary of Sarawak and Chairman of IDECS25, YB Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Abu Bakar bin Marzuki, shared the Premier’s optimism, underscoring the Sarawak Government’s determination to translate vision into tangible outcomes.

“Sarawak’s digital transformation is not about technology for its own sake, but about progress that every Sarawakian can feel. Innovation only matters if a parent gets clinic results faster, a student learns better, or a licence takes minutes instead of months. This is the test of true transformation, a digital-first, people-first Sarawak where no one is left behind,” he said.

Beyond its main stage discussions, IDECS25 features an integrated line-up of programmes reflecting Sarawak’s commitment to inclusion and innovation. The SHE-Tech Asia Forum 2025 spotlights women leaders shaping the AI and green economy, while the Startup Village brings together entrepreneurs and ecosystem enablers to showcase scalable innovations that serve communities and sustainability goals. It also marks the launch of the TikTok Shop Live Selling Competition under the Sarawak Digital Mall initiative, involving 100 selected sellers who will compete in livestream knockout rounds leading up to a grand finale at Kuching Waterfront this December.

Following the two-day conference, the Digital Art Gallery 2025 (DAG25) will take place from 22 to 26 October at Makeramai Makerspace, Plaza Merdeka. Curated as a creative extension of IDECS25, the gallery transforms art into a dialogue with technology through immersive AI-driven installations by Sarawak’s school students and the public, celebrating the intersection of imagination and innovation.

With IDECS25, Sarawak reaffirms its position as a regional hub for ethical AI, sustainable technology, and community-centred growth. As ASEAN prepares for its own digital and sustainability dialogues later this month, Sarawak’s message is clear — the future of technology lies not only in intelligence, but in intention. For more information, visit www.idecs.com.my or follow @IDECS25 on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram using the hashtags #IDECS25 #AI #GreenTech #DigitalEconomy.