Abang Johari (second right) attends a briefing at the Bristol Centre for Supercomputing with (from left) Sharifah Hasidah, Liew, Abdul Aziz, Abu Bakar, and Shariman. – Ukas photo
KUCHING (May 6): Sarawak is stepping up efforts to position itself as a regional hub for a data-driven and artificial intelligence-based economy by leveraging its renewable energy strengths and expanding strategic collaboration with the University of Bristol.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Datuk Openg said the state’s working visit to the United Kingdom, particularly Bristol, has opened up new opportunities in advancing future industries such as AI, aerospace, and high-performance computing.
He said discussions with the University of Bristol focused on potential collaboration in aerospace sectors as well as harnessing the university’s computing capabilities for research into AI and aerospace technologies.
Abang Johari said the use of data as the foundation of a new economy is no longer optional but essential in navigating future economic growth.
“It is in line with our aspiration to use data as the primary basis in planning a new economy, and from the discussions earlier, we see that in reality we have no choice but to move towards this future.
“We must leverage the latest technologies to enhance our capabilities and add value to existing resources through imaging technology and data,” he said, according to a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) report.
Earlier, he attended a Sarawak Semiconductor engagement session, which was jointly organised by SMD Semiconductor and the University of Bristol.
The event was held at the National Composites Centre (NCC) at Bristol and Bath Science Park near Bristol, United Kingdom on Tuesday.
The Premier said Sarawak, through SMD Semiconductor, will further strengthen research collaboration in high-impact areas such as quantum AI and aerospace.
Abang Johari said the state delegation’s visit to NCC also provided exposure to large-scale supercomputer capabilities that underpin the modern data economy.
“Here, we were given the opportunity to visit a supercomputing complex equipped with 5,820 GPUs and high-performance servers.
“They are also using about 3.5 megawatts per hour to operate approximately 5,000 GPUs used in the United Kingdom,” he said.
He added that Sarawak’s renewable energy advantage could serve as a key catalyst in offering more competitive operating costs compared to developed countries, thereby opening opportunities for the state to emerge as a regional hub for research and data processing.
“Electricity tariffs here are quite high, so if we collaborate with them, we can utilise our strengths in renewable energy and our own tariff structure.
“If we can offer lower costs in terms of energy supply and cooling systems, such as using recycled water-cooling systems, we have the potential to become a research hub in the region,” added Abang Johari.
Among those present were State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali; Sarawak Economic Development Corporation chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Husain; Sarawak Climate Change and Energy Transition Unit director Dr Angelia Liew San Chuin; and SMD Semiconductor chief executive officer Shariman Jamil.
