KUCHING, 17 NOVEMBER 2025 – The Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) and the University of Canterbury (UC), New Zealand, have formalised a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore collaborative opportunities in advancing research, digital innovation, and entrepreneurship between Sarawak and New Zealand.
The MoU was signed during a meeting held at SDEC Corporate Office in Kuching, which brought together representatives from both parties to discuss potential areas of cooperation in digital research, technology exchange, and innovation-driven initiatives.
This strategic partnership aligns with Sarawak’s aspirations under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, focusing on research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Through this MoU, SDEC and UC will:
- Explore opportunities for collaboration in research and development and innovation enabling digital economy;
- Promote and nurture digital innovation across Sarawak and New Zealand; and
- Develop innovative partnership models to enhance a thriving technology research and deep tech ecosystem.
“Our partnership with SDEC marks the next chapter in a long-standing relationship between UC and Malaysia,” said Professor Paul Ballantine, Executive Dean of the UC Business School.
“UC believes strong international relationships create real local impact. By working together in digital innovation and education, we can build capacity and create meaningful opportunities for students, researchers, and communities in both countries to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy,” he added.
The MoU underscores the alignment of SDEC and UC’s goals to strengthen international collaboration and create lasting impact.
“This MoU reflects our shared vision to connect ecosystems and accelerate digital growth through research and innovation. We look forward to exchanging expertise, developing talent, and co-creating impactful solutions that will advance Sarawak’s digital economy,” said Dato Ir. Ts. Sudarnoto Osman, CEO of SDEC.
The New Zealand delegation included Professor Ballantine; Thea Kleiber, Director of Advancement; Charu Uppal, Associate Director of Advancement; and Dato Alex Ting, Managing Director, WTS Konsultant Sdn. Bhd. and UC Alumni Lead Sarawak.
The partnership marks another important step in positioning Sarawak as a regional hub for digital innovation and talent, while strengthening global linkages that support the state’s goal of becoming a digitally advanced economy by 2030.