KUCHING: Sarawak will develop the Kuching Artificial Intelligence Data Campus at Tanjung Embang to facilitate the next phase of the state's AI ecosystem, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
The Premier said the campus will be built through a public-private partnership approach and supported by dedicated power and water infrastructure, AI computing facilities and digital connectivity.
"The campus is intended to provide the physical foundation for the development of an AI Grid, while creating a platform to attract investment, strengthen our data-centre ecosystem and support the growth of AI-related businesses and capabilities in Sarawak," he said when opening the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2026 here on Monday (Oct 5).
Abang Johari said the AI Grid will be developed alongside the campus to connect computing resources and make use of Sarawak’s renewable energy capacity.
He said the state's AI ambitions were also supported by the Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre (SAIC) and the Sarawak AI Blueprint 2026-2030.
"SAIC is playing a central role in advancing Sarawak’s AI agenda, bringing together the development of AI capabilities, talent, applications and trusted infrastructure.
"This direction is being further shaped through the Sarawak AI Blueprint, which is currently being developed to provide a coordinated approach to AI development across government, industry, academia and research."
In addition, he said the Sarawak Sovereign AI Infrastructure Platform, launched in August, provided a foundation for locally-governed AI computing and secure management of strategic government data.
"Taken together, these initiatives represent progression from strategy to infrastructure, from infrastructure to application.
"Their significance lies in our ability to apply AI responsibly to Sarawak’s priorities," he said.
Abang Johari also said Sarawak will host the World Innovation, Technology and Services Alliance (Witsa) Global AI Summit next year in conjunction with the 10th edition of IDECS.
He said the summit will build Sarawak’s partnership with Witsa through its global AI ecosystem network and bring together leaders from the technology industry, government and innovation ecosystems.
"It will also bring international platforms to Sarawak, including the Witsa Global AI Awards, the second Witsa World Cup for the Zohari Challenge Trophy and the unveiling of the second Witsa Global AI Index," he added.
