• Marks a milestone under the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030;
• Powered by AI, IoT, and computer vision for a “scan, shop and go” experience;
• Operates 24/7 with seamless payments via SDEC’s SBOX AI Wallet.

KUCHING, 11 NOVEMBER 2025 – In a significant step towards smart urban living, Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation Berhad (SDEC) officially launched Malaysia’s first fully commercialised AI-powered unmanned mart at Baitulmakmur II, Petra Jaya, Kuching.

The launch was attended by YBhg. Tan Sri Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Morshidi bin Abdul Ghani, Chairman of SDEC; YBhg. Datuk Haji Abang Abdul Wahap bin Haji Abang Julai, CEO of Lembaga Amanah Kebajikan Masjid Negeri Sarawak (LAKMNS); and YBhg. Dato Ir. Ts. Sudarnoto Osman, CEO of SDEC.

Also present at the event were Mr. Mohamad Feisal bin Said, Deputy CEO of LAKMNS; Mr. Abang Iskandar Bolhassan bin Abg Mohamad Ariff, Deputy Director of Kuching North City Commission (DBKU); Mr. Chai Bao Yi, Director of Akayan Solutions Sdn. Bhd., Mr. Seat Keng Weng, Director of Cloud4Sea Sdn. Bhd., Mr. Lu Yi Fan, Director of BTOZTech Pte. Ltd., SDEC department heads, government representatives, and members of the media.

Driven by SDEC cutting-edge AI and IoT technologies and operated by Akayan Solutions Sdn. Bhd., the mart redefines modern convenience through a fully autonomous, 24-hour shopping experience.

Technology Highlights – “How It Works?”

This innovative concept marks a major milestone under the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, aligning with the aspirations of the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 to accelerate Sarawak’s transformation towards a cashless, data-driven, and AI-enabled economy.

Strategically located at Baitulmakmur II, one of the main government buildings in Kuching, the unmanned mart introduces a next-generation retail experience where customers can shop anytime without queues or cashiers. The technology behind the store combines AI cameras, smart-shelf sensors, IoT systems, and machine learning algorithms to identify products picked up and charge customers automatically upon exit.

The process is simple: shoppers scan a QR code via the SBOX AI app to enter, select their items, and simply walk out. Payments are processed seamlessly through the SBOX AI Wallet, eliminating the need for traditional checkout counters.

SDEC SBOX AI App

The SBOX AI app can be downloaded from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The app enables users to top up the digital wallet via credit or debit cards, view real-time balances, and enjoy transparent transaction tracking across all SDEC’s unmanned mart chains.

“This unmanned mart marks a new chapter in Sarawak’s journey towards smart city living. It shows how technology, when applied meaningfully, can make life simpler and more convenient for everyone while supporting our broader goal of building a digital, sustainable future.” said Dato Ir. Ts. Sudarnoto, CEO of SDEC.

The launch not only underscores Sarawak’s progress in integrating AI and digital payment technologies into daily life but also signifies the Sarawak’s ongoing commitment to creating sustainable, tech-enabled ecosystems that enhance citizen convenience and business efficiency.

With this milestone, SDEC continues to empower communities through smart solutions that redefine how people live, work, and play — bringing Sarawak one step closer to realising its smart city vision.