KUCHING: Sarawak is leveraging on cutting-edge digital technologies such as artificial intelligencies (AI), the internet of things (IoT) and data analytics to accelerate its smart and precision farming ambitions.
This is so it can realise its aim to address food security and establish the state as a net food exporter by 2030.
State Utility and Telecommunications Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi told the International Digital Economic Conference (IDEC) here today that Sarawak was already at the "leading edge of a significant and transformative shift in how farming is conducted".
"This shift not only enhances our crop yield and productivity but also improves our overall production efficiency and market access," he said.
Julaihi said these advancements were crucial as Sarawak strives to meet the food security agenda.
He said Sarawak, to achieve its vision to be a developed state by 2030, had launched its Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) in 2021 where it provides strategies for achieving its vision of having a thriving society driven by data and innovation by 2030.
"The PCDS 2030 is underpinned on technology driven economies, namely, digital economy, green economy, and circular economy to drive Sarawak's economic growth, social inclusivity, and environmental sustainability."
Julaihi said, to realise the aspirations of PCDS 2030, the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030 was launched in October 2023 as the strategic plan to transform the whole-of-economy and society from conventional resource-based economy to environmentally-sustainable, technology-driven economy.
"The world economy is transforming fast because of the rapid spread of new digital technologies, in particular artificial intelligence, with major implications on nations economic growth, social well-being and environmental sustainability.
"The value of being a digitally-ready nation is immediately reflected in the strong correlation against indicators such as GDP per capita, innovation, digital competitiveness and e-commerce amongst others," he said.
Julaihi said the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030 envisions Sarawak becoming a major digital economy powerhouse in the region to achieve inclusive, responsible, and sustainable socio-economic development.
An Oxford Economics report, he said, had stated the average contribution of digital economy to the global economy will be 24.3 per cent in 2025.
"The Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030 targets the state being able to tap a percentage of the global economy to flow into Sarawak through strategies to grow cross-border data flow by establishing technology parks to attract digital investments such as AI data centres, digital services and technology industries, amongst others.
"The blueprint takes into consideration the foresight and direction of global digital economy strategies and recognises that the Sarawak government plays an enabling role, with the economy driven by public and private sectors and individuals to determine our ultimate measure of success."