KUCHING: Sarawak is turning to artificial intelligence (AI) as the next step in its digital transformation to strengthen the economy and create new areas of value, says Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
As part of this push, he said the state would develop the Kuching AI Data Campus at Tanjung Embang as a catalyst for the next phase of its AI ecosystem.
The campus will be built through a public-private partnership and supported by dedicated power and water infrastructure, AI computing facilities, and digital connectivity.
“It 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 while opening the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak 2026 here yesterday.
Abang Johari said the AI Grid would be developed alongside the campus to connect computing resources and tap Sarawak’s renewable energy capacity.
He said Sarawak’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.”
Abang Johari said the initiatives represented progress from strategy to infrastructure and application.
“Their significance lies in our ability to apply AI responsibly to Sarawak’s priorities,” he said.
Following the opening ceremony, Abang Johari launched the Sarawak Cybersecurity Strategy and Roadmap 2030 to strengthen the security and resilience of the state’s digital ecosystem.
The Sarawak Multimedia Authority, which developed the five-year roadmap, said it comprises 18 initiatives aimed at strengthening Sarawak’s cybersecurity capabilities, resilience and digital trust.
The roadmap covers five pillars: securing Sarawak’s strategic information assets; protecting people, businesses and communities; talent development and capacity building; strengthening governance and operational frameworks; as well as strategic collaboration and cooperation.
