KUCHING: The Sarawak Digital Residency Programme (SDRP) is slated to commence next year to attract digital nomads to the state, Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg announced on Wednesday (Oct 16).
This initiative is part of two new strategies to advance Sarawak's digital agenda.
"The SDRP is a bold move to attract professionals, remote workers, foreign entrepreneurs, and investors to Sarawak," he stated at the opening of the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS).
With flexible terms, Sarawak is set to become an inclusive digital hub welcoming global talent.
The first initiative under SDRP, De Rantau Sarawak, will open for applications early next year in collaboration with the Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).
This aims to boost Malaysia’s status as a top destination for digital nomads in South-East Asia.
Additionally, Abang Johari announced the Sarawak Technology and Innovation (STI) Sandbox, developed with the National Technology and Innovation Sandbox, Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), Startup Borneo, and Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Bumiputera Sarawak (Tegas).
The STI Sandbox aims to ease Sarawak’s shift to a knowledge-based economy.
It is expected to drive innovation in agritech, smart cities, and cultural industries, making Sarawak a food security hub while supporting the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030.
In line with Sarawak’s pledge to balance progress with sustainable innovation, these initiatives solidify the commitment to a vibrant, globally-connected digital economy.
Furthermore, the state government is establishing the Sarawak AI Centre to integrate artificial intelligence into the state's digital infrastructure.
This centre will position Sarawak as a hub for AI research, development, and nurture a vibrant AI ecosystem.
Key initiatives include AI for smart agriculture, utilising AI-powered data analytics to optimise crop yields and promote agricultural sustainability.
The centre will also lead healthcare projects such as predictive analytics for early disease detection and enhancing energy efficiency through AI-driven smart grid systems.
An AI talent development initiative will also be launched to equip workers with AI skills.
The state is forming an AI Unit within the civil service and developing an AI data centre.
Collaborations with industry experts, academia, federal authorities, and international bodies will ensure meaningful contributions to Sarawak's AI transformation journey.
