Sarawak aims to be ‘future-ready’ in digital, transport transformation

KUCHING (Feb 21): Sarawak is committed to ensuring that its workforce and industries are future-ready as it accelerates towards a high-income, technology-driven economy under the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin highlighted this at the inaugural Borneo Innovation and Technology Conference (BIT) 2025 at Raia Hotel & Convention Centre here today, where he also stressed about the importance of digital transformation in preparing businesses and individuals for the evolving economic landscape.

“One of the key challenges for businesses in digital transformation is ensuring that their workforce is future-ready.

“That is the key word, future-ready.

“The future is quite different from the present, and we need to prepare our workforce to meet the challenges and needs of our future economy, especially with the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI),” he said.

On BIT 2025, the state minister hailed it as a vitl platform for fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, equipping businesses with the knowledge, skills and networks necessary in embracing key technologies such as AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing and cybersecurity.

Lee also underscored the Sarawak government’s efforts in driving digitalisation through agencies like Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) and Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA).

“Technology is not only transforming industries, but also reshaping Sarawak’s transport sector through innovations such as hydrogen-powered buses and the upcoming Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system under the Kuching Urban Transport System (KUTS) project.

“Sarawak is not just upgrading its transport network but pioneering a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable future,” he said, citing smart traffic lights, transit signal priority (TSP), and AI-driven traffic management systems as examples.

Lee acknowledged the impact of AI in transport, noting that while smart traffic lights could optimise traffic flow by about 30 per cent, they also prioritised heavy traffic lanes, sometimes causing longer waits for lighter traffic lanes.

In riverine transport, Sarawak is enhancing safety and efficiency with modern Vessel Traffic Management Systems (VTMS) installed along Sungai Sarawak and Kuching Barrage, with expansion plans for Sungai Miri.

Additionally, the Sarawak Buoys and Lights Board is upgrading its Marine Aids to Navigation (AtoN) system to improve vessel tracking and safety through GPS, radar, and real-time monitoring.

Emphasising the importance of continuous innovation, Lee expressed hope that BIT 2025 would pave the way for future editions, fostering a culture of digital transformation that aligns with Sarawak’s vision for a technology-driven, sustainable economy.

“I look forward to seeing BIT 2026, BIT 2027, and many more editions contributing to our journey towards sustainable development,” he said.

Also present were Karuna Sarawak chief executive officer Melvin Ong and BIMP EAGA (BEBC) deputy country director Angie Kueh.