The International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2024 concluded with groundbreaking announcements and significant developments aimed at advancing Sarawak’s digital economy and sustainability agenda.
Marking its seventh edition, this year’s event, themed “AI for Sustainable Development: Navigating the Green and Circular Future,” brought together key players from various industries to explore the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping a greener, more sustainable future.
Held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) from October 16 to 17, IDECS 2024 drew a diverse audience, ranging from government officials and industry leaders to the general public, gathered to learn how AI can drive sustainability and spur economic growth in Sarawak.
Sarawak Premier’s Vision for a Digital and Sustainable Future
In his speech, Sarawak Premier, YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg unveiled several ambitious initiatives designed to position Sarawak as a leader in digital innovation and sustainable development.
One of the most notable announcements was the launch of CyberSarawak, an initiative led by the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) to enhance cybersecurity infrastructure across the state.
“This initiative aims to create a secure digital environment that fosters innovation while protecting the integrity of our data systems,” said Sarawak Premier.
In addition, he highlighted the introduction of National Guidelines on AI Governance and Ethics published by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti), ensuring the ethical and trustworthy development of AI technologies in line with global best practices.
A Series of Strategic Partnerships and MoUs
IDECS 2024 also served as a platform for the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC)’s signing of numerous Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), solidifying partnerships that will drive Sarawak’s technological growth and sustainability efforts. Among the notable MoUs signed were:
- TM Technology Services Sdn Bhd, focusing on the implementation of wide area network links for SDEC hubs.
- Powerplants Australia, for the adoption of sustainable agriculture technologies in Sarawak’s agricultural sector.
- MRANTI, Tegas, and Startup Borneo, establishing a strategic collaboration under the Sarawak Technology and Innovation Sandbox Pilot Programme, aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and tech-driven industries.
- World Innovation, Technology, and Services Alliance (Witsa), to develop Sarawak’s AI ecosystem, benefiting both Sarawak and Southeast Asia.
- Kintone Southeast Asia Sdn Bhd, to support the digitalisation of Sarawak’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
In addition to these, several other agreements were made, including partnerships with Angkasa-X for space economy development and Sarawak Energy Berhad for cooperation on smart grid systems.
AI as a Pillar of Sarawak’s Digital Economy
Sarawak Premier highlighted Sarawak’s commitment to Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a cornerstone of the region’s digital transformation.
The Sarawak AI Centre, which will be central to the development of AI technologies, was announced as a hub for research and innovation in various sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and energy.
“Through AI, we are not only preparing for the future but ensuring that Sarawak harnesses the full power of digital innovation responsibly and sustainably,” stated Sarawak Premier.
One of the key programmes introduced under this initiative is the AI for Smart Agriculture project, designed to improve crop yields and promote sustainable farming practices through AI-powered data analytics.
Measuring IDECS’ Environmental Impact
For the first time, IDECS will also measure its carbon footprint as part of Sarawak’s leadership in sustainability. Sarawak Premier introduced a carbon footprint calculator, developed in collaboration with local startups CarbonGPT and EB Tech, to monitor the environmental impact of the conference and provide insights for future reductions.
“We are setting a strong precedent for sustainability within the digital economy,” said Sarawak Premier, reinforcing Sarawak’s dedication to environmentally responsible development.
This initiative reflects the event’s theme of aligning AI with sustainable and circular economic practices.
Recognition and Awards
IDECS 2024 also celebrated the contributions of local innovators to the digital economy through the Digital Economy Awards (DEA).
Sarawak Premier’s Digital Economy Award was presented to MyContent Distribution Sdn Bhd, while Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) and Evolving Brilliance Technologies Sdn Bhd were recognised for their achievements in research and technology innovation.
The Sarawak Civil Service Digitalisation Unit and the Forest Department Sarawak were also honoured for their contributions to digital government and environmental sustainability, respectively.
Paving the Way for the Future
As part of Sarawak’s ongoing efforts to attract global talent, Sarawak Premier also announced the launch of the De Rantau Sarawak initiative, under the newly unveiled Sarawak Digital Residency Programme (SDRP).
Set to open applications in 2025, the initiative aims to make Sarawak a hub for digital nomads and remote workers, further integrating the state into the global digital economy.
With IDECS 2024’s success, Sarawak continues to make bold strides toward becoming a leading digital economy by 2030.
The state’s initiatives in AI, cybersecurity, and sustainability, coupled with strategic partnerships, reinforce its commitment to balancing technological progress with ecological responsibility.
As Sarawak Premier noted, “Together, we are paving the way for future initiatives that prioritise sustainability while fostering economic growth. Through these multifaceted efforts, Sarawak is harnessing the full power of digital innovation responsibly and sustainably.”
References
- “IDECS 2024 kicks off with 2,500 attendees”
- “Sarawak strengthens digital security with CyberSarawak, AI governance guidelines”
- “IDECS 2024: SDEC inks strategic MoUs to boost Sarawak’s digital economy”
- “IDECS 2024 tracks carbon footprint for first time to showcase Sarawak’s sustainability leadership”
- “Digital Economy Awards highlights digital transformation as driver of economic growth”
- “Sarawak unveils AI Talent Development Initiative, AI Centre to build skilled workforce for future industries”
- “Sarawak launches De Rantau Sarawak to attract global digital nomads”
- “SMA to launch CyberSarawak to strengthen State’s cybersecurity, drive digital innovation”
