MEI 2025
Sarawak Invests RM3.5 Billion In Digital Economy Over Five Years, Premier Highlights AI Chip Innovation And Digital Inclusivity
KUCHING, 16 May 2025 — The Right Honourable Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, today highlighted Sarawak’s ongoing digital transformation, revealing that the state has invested RM3.5 billion in the digital industry over the past five years.
This investment was channelled through the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA), the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS), and the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC).
Speaking at the official launch of the Jelajah Malaysia Digital programme in Kuching, the Premier emphasized that digitalization is a holistic process that involves transforming the entire economic structure.
“Digitalization means you must digitalize the whole spectrum of our economy. That is why, when we introduced the Sumbangan Keperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS) program to support the B40 community in facing the rising cost of living, we required the use of Sarawak Pay,” he said.
He addressed concerns about whether rural communities in Sarawak could adapt to digital payment systems. “There were stereotypes questioning whether Sarawakians, especially in rural areas, could use Sarawak Pay — but in reality, over 85% of the people, including in rural areas, have embraced and successfully used the platform.”
The Premier also spoke about his recent visit to Bau, saying, “Bau has valuable assets, including its unique geology and numerous caves. What we need now is to transform these assets into engaging content that will attract visitors. With the right technology, we can unlock their true potential and create lasting value.”
He went on to share a key innovation milestone: “I recently officiated the launch of a Sarawakian-designed AI-powered chip in Cardiff, called Keteq AI. This chip, developed through collaboration between SMD Semiconductor Sdn. Bhd. of Sarawak and CSA Catapult in the UK, is awaiting international IP registration — and it will be the first of its kind in the world.”
Also speaking at the event, The Honourable Tuan Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh, Chairman of the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), also stated that the goal of the program is to encourage more local companies to embrace digital transformation, particularly in animation, digital games, and creative technology.
“We see significant potential in Sarawak, not only in terms of content creation but also in grassroots participation and the development of local narratives,” he said.
He added that Sarawak is emerging as a powerhouse of digital and creative talent, competing at the international level — especially in the rapidly growing eSports sector.
Also in attendance were The Honourable Tuan Gobind Singh Deo, The Honourable Datuk Wilson Ugak Anak Kumbong, and The Honourable Datuk Haji Len Talif Salleh.