Abang Johari (second left) shares a light moment with other guests during a stop at an exhibition booth. Behind him (left) is Abu Bakar. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad

KUCHING (Oct 22): Policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and innovators from Malaysia and abroad gathered at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today for the opening of the 8th International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2025.

Hosted by the Sarawak government and organised by the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) in collaboration with the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) and Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (Sains), with Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation (Bioeconomy Corporation) as the strategic partner, the two-day conference serves as a platform for Sarawak to demonstrate how artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainability can work hand in hand to drive progress and inclusion.

State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki said this year’s theme ― ‘AI & Green Evolution: Growth, Challenges & Community Resilience’ ― represents two major forces shaping today’s world: the rise of smart technologies and the global movement towards sustainability.

“Growth, challenges and community resilience remind us that true progress means balancing innovation with responsibility, inclusion, and ethics,” he said.

Over the next two days, IDECS 2025 will explore how AI and green technologies are redefining the way we live, work, and govern.

“Among others, we will examine how AI-driven precision farming has helped farmers optimise yields, and how digital platforms such as Service Sarawak have made government services faster and more accessible,” he said in his speech at the opening ceremony, which was officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Abu Bakar also highlighted the collaboration between IDECS and the National Bioeconomy Showcase (NBiOSHOWCASE) this year, which places Malaysia’s bioeconomy at the forefront of the nation’s digital transformation.

“This showcase is a convergence where biotechnology meets AI.

“Through this platform, we are building partnerships that will drive real-world impact for Sarawak, Malaysia, and the wider region,” he added.

With over 10,000 delegates, 129 speakers, 204 exhibitions, and 40 sponsors, IDECS 2025 underscores Sarawak’s growing influence as one of Southeast Asia’s emerging leaders in the digital and green economy.

A major highlight of the event was the launch of the SarawakPass, an AI-driven digital identity platform developed by SMA to provide secure access to state services, in line with the state’s goal of achieving a fully digital government by 2030.

Twelve Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were also exchanged between Sarawak agencies and international partners, spanning digital infrastructure, AI-driven solutions, next-generation networks, and bio-based innovation.

Witnessed by the Premier, these signings reflect Sarawak’s commitment to building a future-ready economy powered by technology and environmental stewardship.

Among the key partnerships, SDEC formalised three MOUs with Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia International (TELIN) and ITCO Niaga Sdn Bhd, and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).

These partnerships aim to strengthen Sarawak’s digital foundation through hybrid cloud infrastructure, cross-border connectivity, and digital talent development, supporting the state’s vision of secure, intelligent, and inclusive digital talent ecosystem under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030.

IDECS 2025 also features thought-leadership sessions by globally recognised figures including ‘Our Final Invention’ author James Barrat, environmental scholar and ‘China Goes Green’ author Assoc Prof Yifei Li, Addo AI chief executive officer Dr Ayesha Khanna, innovation strategist Scott Bales, and human transformation and leadership expert Dr Justin Cohen.

Beyond its main stage discussions, the conference includes several complementary programmes reflecting Sarawak’s commitment to inclusion and innovation.

The SHE-Tech Asia Forum 2025 spotlights women leaders shaping the AI and green economy, while the Startup Village brings together entrepreneurs and ecosystem enablers showcasing scalable innovations that serve communities and sustainability goals.

It also marks the launch of the TikTok Shop Live Selling Competition under the Sarawak Digital Mall initiative, featuring 100 selected sellers competing in livestream knockout rounds leading up to a grand finale at Kuching Waterfront in December.

Following IDECS, the Digital Art Gallery 2025 (DAG25) will be held from Oct 22 to 26 at Makeramai Makerspace, Plaza Merdeka.

Curated as a creative extension of IDECS 2025, the gallery transforms art into a dialogue with technology through immersive AI-driven installations by Sarawak’s school students and the public ― celebrating the intersection of imagination and innovation.