DISEMBER 2025
Sarawak Targets Asean Leadership With Stronger Digital, Energy And Education Push
KUCHING, 1 December 2025 - Sarawak will broaden its digital expansion, strengthen its clean energy ambitions and boost education investment as part of a long term plan to position the state as a leading regional hub, Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said today.
Speaking at the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) 5th Anniversary Celebration at the Waterfront Hotel, he said Sarawak’s digital transformation has accelerated over the past five years, driven by SDEC’s work since its establishment in 2017.
“For the past five years, SDEC has carried out its responsibility with great success. You have transformed the way we do business and shaped how Sarawak approaches development,” he said.
He thanked SDEC’s Board, led by Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani, its CEO and its staff for what he described as rigorous and determined work.
“This journey was not easy. Digitalisation was new in our economy, but you pushed through and delivered.”
Abang Johari said Sarawak’s digital agenda took shape soon after he became Chief Minister in 2017, when he instructed then State Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani to organise an international digital economy seminar.
“I trusted him to do it, and he did,” he said.
He added that his interest in digital transformation grew years earlier from exposure to blockchain, animation and game development. A locally developed game even generated revenue from Europe, which he said opened Sarawak’s eyes to the power of digital transactions and data.
The Premier said the Sarawak Rural Broadband Network has been crucial in improving internet access in remote districts. He cited SMK Temenggong Datuk Lawai Jau in Long San, where students benefited from Khan Academy lessons once connectivity was established.
“Their results improved. Many are now in Unimas. They also improved their English because the platform forces you to understand English,” he said.
He also highlighted the use of digital tools to solve longstanding engineering challenges.
“We tried geotextile and it did not work. The roads were still wavy. Now we use highway information modelling to simulate solutions,” he said.
He confirmed elevated roads will be built in Lingga, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Marudi, Mulu, Long Panai, Long Zama and Limang to reduce maintenance costs in the long run. A similar digital approach, he said, will guide the state’s new green building law.
Abang Johari reaffirmed Sarawak’s goal to become an energy powerhouse for ASEAN, with hydrogen production a key focus.
“With our rivers and water supply, we have an advantage. Digital simulation allows us to extract hydrogen more efficiently,” he said.
He noted that hydrogen contains deuterium, which could support the development of future fusion energy.
“Fusion is safer than conventional nuclear energy, and hydrogen gives us a path toward that future.”
He said global competition in artificial intelligence will revolve around chip technology.
“AI will take many tasks, but AI depends on one thing — the chip,” he said.
Sarawak’s research into gallium nitride wafers, he added, could position the state to contribute to next generation AI powered chips.
“Silicon overheats when processing millions of data points, but gallium nitride can tolerate it.”
Abang Johari said global tensions between major powers reflect this race for chip and satellite dominance.
“Whoever leads these areas will shape the future economy,” he said.
The Premier announced that Sarawak has allocated RM665 million for education in the latest budget, more than several states with larger populations.
“We do not want the children of Sarawak to fall behind,” he said, reaffirming the state’s commitment to provide free tertiary education for Sarawakians in state owned universities.
He hinted at new revenue streams that will support the initiative.
“I cannot reveal everything yet. But when we secure the funds, I will share.”
Abang Johari said Sarawak’s digital foundation will guide its next phase of growth.
“Technology is the essential tool for our progress, with strong digital infrastructure, innovation and commitment, Sarawak can become the star of ASEAN.”
He added that SDEC’s first five years serve as a motivator for the state to continue embracing innovation as it charts its economic future.