KUCHING: Sarawak is taking the lead to explore the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in green innovation at its flagship digital economy conference next month.
State Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi said the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak 2025 (IDECS) would focus on the responsible application of AI for a sustainable future.
"AI is among the technological enablers that affects human lives. We should not be left behind but be exposed to the latest developments of AI.
"It's appropriate for us to know not only the benefits of AI but also its negative impact, so that we have a clear picture of AI," he told a press conference here on Friday (Sept 19).
Now in its eighth edition, IDECS 2025 will take place on Oct 22-23 with the theme "AI and Green Innovation: Growth, Challenges and Community Resilience".
It will discuss topics such as AI-powered economic development, smart cities and digital governance, circular economy, sustainable development and biotechnology.
Keynote speakers include James Barrat, the author of "Our Final Invention: Artificial Intelligence and the End of the Human Era", AI expert and entrepreneur Dr Ayesha Khanna and human transformation expert Dr Justin Cohen.
This year, IDECS is partnering with the Bioeconomy Corporation under the federal Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry to host the National Bioeconomy Showcase 2025.
This event will feature the latest advancements in biotechnology and bio-based industries.
Julaihi said 10,000 delegates and visitors were expected to attend IDECS 2025 over two days.
"About 20% of them will be from the international community. Last year, we had participants from 40 countries," he said.
