KUCHING, SARAWAK – 27 JANUARY 2026 – Sarawak reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening data privacy, digital trust and data sovereignty with the 2nd PROTECT Sarawak 2026 Mini Roadshow & Press Conference, a strategic initiative supporting the region’s growing digital economy and governance ambitions.
As digital services expand, cross-border data flows increase, and artificial intelligence adoption accelerates across industries, the need for trusted, secure and well-governed digital systems has become critical. PROTECT Sarawak 2026 addresses these challenges by bringing together policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, technology experts and academia to shape a secure and resilient digital future for Sarawak.
Today’s Mini Roadshow is hosted by the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), a strategic partner of PROTECT Sarawak 2026, in collaboration with Purple Door (M) Sdn. Bhd., the main organiser of the initiative, and with endorsement and support from the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA). The session marks an important milestone leading up to the PROTECT Sarawak 2026 International Conference, scheduled for 28–29 April 2026, followed by a Masterclass on 30 April 2026.
A Strategic Commitment to Sarawak’s Digital Future
The Mini Roadshow provides an interactive platform to:
- Raise awareness on data privacy, digital trust and digital sovereignty
- Highlight emerging risks in cross-border data transfers, particularly affecting personal data, tourism, hospitality and digital services
- Introduce the vision, objectives and scope of PROTECT Sarawak 2026
- Engage industry stakeholders ahead of the international conference in April
Marsy Sebban, CEO of Purple Door (M) Sdn. Bhd., said PROTECT Sarawak 2026 reflects a long-term commitment to safeguarding Sarawak’s digital ecosystem.
“PROTECT Sarawak 2026 is more than an event — it is a strategic commitment to protecting Sarawak’s digital future. As the state advances its digital economy, trust, security and governance must evolve together. By uniting government, industry and experts, we are building a trusted ecosystem where innovation can grow responsibly and securely.”
Unlocking the Digital Dividend
From an economic and development perspective, Zakaria Polit, Head of Technology Services at Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), highlighted the importance of digital trust as a growth enabler.
“Digital sovereignty is no longer just about control — it is about confidence. When data is trusted and governed responsibly, it creates the foundation for investment, innovation and sustainable growth. PROTECT Sarawak 2026 supports Sarawak’s efforts to convert digital capability into real economic value for businesses and citizens.”
Strengthening Governance and Public Trust
Addressing the governance and security dimension, Jonathan Ng, Chief Cybersecurity Strategist at the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA), emphasised the role of data protection in building public confidence
“As Sarawak embraces digital transformation, data sovereignty and cybersecurity are fundamental to public trust. Platforms like PROTECT Sarawak 2026 allow us to align international best practices with Sarawak’s local context — ensuring data is protected, rights are respected and digital systems remain secure and accountable.”
