IDECS25 concludes with record participation and 22 partnerships, translating Sarawak’s digital and green vision into delivery
KUCHING, 23 OCTOBER 2025 – The 8th International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS25) concluded today with clear outcomes and strong momentum, demonstrating how Sarawak is turning its digital and green vision into action.
Held from 22 to 23 October at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), IDECS25 attracted a record participation with more than 10,000 delegates, 129 speakers, 202 exhibitors, and 40 sponsors under the theme “AI & Green Evolution: Growth, Challenges & Community Resilience.”
The two-day event underscored Sarawak’s emergence as a regional model for ethical AI, sustainable innovation, and inclusive growth aligned with the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
Throughout the conference, 22 strategic MoUs, MoAs, and collaborations were signed across AI, connectivity, bioeconomy, and green technology, reinforcing Sarawak’s commitment to building a secure, intelligent, and inclusive digital ecosystem.
The momentum extended to the TikTok Shop Live Selling Competition, launched under SDEC’s Sarawak Digital Mall initiative. The programme empowers 100 Sarawakian entrepreneurs through livestream-commerce training and digital sales mentorship, culminating in a grand finale at the Kuching Waterfront this December. The competition reflects how Sarawak’s digital-economy strategy translates into real market opportunities for MSMEs and grassroots businesses.
In his Ministerial Insight Address, “Ethical AI and the Green Digital Economy,” YB Dato Sri Haji Julaihi Bin Haji Narawi, Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak, outlined Sarawak’s approach to responsible innovation anchored on renewable energy and ethical governance.
“Leadership in this digital decade will not be measured by speed, but by responsibility. Our task is not just to lead in technology, but to lead with conscience to shape growth that uplifts people, protects the planet, and strengthens communities,” he said.
Sessions such as Smart Cities, Smarter Communities and The Ethical Firewall expanded on these themes, exploring how data and policy can build trust and resilience. The SHE-TECH Asia Forum 2025 further spotlighted women leaders driving digital and green progress across the region, while the Startup Village connected emerging founders and investors through live demos and mentorship sessions that showcased Sarawak’s growing innovation ecosystem.
The Sarawak Digital Economy Awards (DEA) 2025, held during the IDECS25 Gala Dinner last night and officiated by The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, Premier of Sarawak, celebrated excellence and innovation across seven categories, from digital government and creative content to environmental sustainability, industry transformation, and start-ups.
The evening’s highest honour, the Premier’s Digital Economy Award 2025, was presented to X-Fab Sdn Bhd, recognising its outstanding contribution to Sarawak’s digital transformation journey. The award not only confers state-level prestige but also includes an all-expenses-paid opportunity for the winner to represent Sarawak at the Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, positioning the State’s innovators on a global stage.
Closing IDECS25, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Morshidi bin Abdul Ghani, Chairman of SDEC and Deputy Chairman of IDECS, said the conference had moved Sarawak from ambition to action.
“IDECS25 showed what it means to deliver on our ambitions. The partnerships forged here will translate into pilots, services, and opportunities that people can feel, strengthening a digital economy that is ethical, secure, and inclusive for Sarawakians and our regional partners,” he said.
IDECS25 also aligns with ASEAN’s green and digital agenda, showcasing Sarawak as a working model for collaboration and delivery. Looking ahead, Sarawak will continue to prioritise green intelligence, trust, inclusivity, and regional collaboration, ensuring that innovation remains both human-centred and sustainable.
For more information, visit www.idecs.com.my or follow @IDECS25 on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram using the hashtags #IDECS25 #AI #GreenTech #DigitalEconomy.