KUALA LUMPUR, 22 NOVEMBER 2023 – Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) Berhad today signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement with Global Digital Innovation Network (GDIN) of the Republic of Korea for the promotion of global collaboration between both parties in the areas of digital transformation and innovation.

The signing that took place at JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur was witnessed live via Zoom meeting by Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak YB Dato Sri Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi, and Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication II (Utility) Sarawak YB Datuk Dr. Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Junaidi from Kuching.

Signing on behalf of SDEC was its Chief Executive Officer Ir. Ts. Sudarnoto Osman while President and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Jongkap Kim signed on behalf of GDIN.

Present to witness the signing ceremony were Chairman of SDEC Tan Sri Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani, and Head of Asia Pacific, GSMA Julian Gorman.

The agreement spells out the desire of both parties to promote partnership and collaboration in innovation and digital transformation by supporting and developing investment cooperation, assisting global market expansion of digital technology companies from Sarawak and Korea as well as enhancing the exchange of highly skilled talents and high potential entrepreneurs.

These collaborations are achieved through activities such as investment events and programmes; bilateral sourcing, support and facilitation for companies wishing to expand to the global market; potential establishment of a bilateral investment mechanism; and knowledge sharing activities focusing on digital technology, tech ecosystem, private equity, venture capital investment, and other topics of mutual interest.

Other activities include the creation of a collaborative facility (Global Tech Studio) participated by digital technology ecosystem players as well as other forms of liaison and cooperation activities that may be mutually agreed upon.

Expressing his views on the agreement signing, Sudarnoto said this aligns seamlessly with the Sarawak Government’s aspiration to transform the region into a modern, high-income powerhouse. By tapping into the ideas, technical know-how and vision of developed country such as South Korea, Sarawak is better prepared to help accelerate the uptake of digital technology in the public and private sectors and among start-ups, business community and industries.

“The Sarawak Government through SDEC ensures that we collaborate with partners who are leaders in the industry to provide comprehensive guidance and share best practices. SDEC looks forward to engaging with a community of like-minded change-makers who will all work together towards achieving our shared goals of economic prosperity and social inclusivity,” Sudarnoto added.

Global Innovation Network is an independent foundation registered under the Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea.