KUCHING: The ideas shared during the 27th World Congress on Innovation and Technology (WCIT) and the 6th International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS 2023) have paved the way for Sarawak’s digital future.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said that this would also contribute to the state’s current trajectory of becoming a digital economic powerhouse in the region.
“This is where our people can enjoy economic prosperity, social inclusivity, and a sustainable environment,” Awang Tengah said during the closing ceremony of the 27th WCIT|IDECS 2023 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.
He also said that Sarawak has launched several initiatives, including significant investments in advanced digital infrastructure, fostering a thriving start-up ecosystem, and proactively re-skilling and enriching the workforce.
“As the state moves forward towards the Sarawak 2030 aspiration, talent and skills will play a pivotal role in its development and progress.
“We are fully convinced that inclusivity is a fundamental prerequisite for Sarawak to transition successfully from a traditional commodities-based economy to a sustainable technology-based one,” he added.
Furthermore, he highlighted that Sarawak is a favoured investment destination in Malaysia.
“Investors have confidence in our government administration due to its business and investment-friendly policies. Sarawak, strategically located, offers numerous competitive advantages for businesses to flourish, such as the availability of green renewable energy, a pool of talented and trainable workforce, and opportunities in emerging sectors including hydrogen production, carbon capture and storage, and sustainable aviation fuel from microalgae, among others.
“We welcome investments and collaborations in our six priority sectors: Manufacturing, Commercial Agriculture, Tourism, Forestry, Mining, and Services, which we believe can be mutually beneficial,” he said.
The next WCIT|IDECS conference is set to take place in 2024 in Armenia.
