IDECS2025 had attracted 10,000 participants from throughout Malaysia and overseas

The eighth edition of the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) which is on from 22 to 23 October at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) had attracted 10,000 participants from throughout Malaysia and from overseas including the United States, Japan, Taiwan, Philippines, China and Australia. 

I was delighted to be invited to the official opening ceremony held this morning and it was graced by our right honourable Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg. The theme for this year’s conference is “AI and Green Evolution: Growth, Challenges and Community Resilience” with the keynote lineup speakers includes James Barrat, author of ‘Our Final Invention: Artificial Intelligence and the End of the Human Era’, who will open with ‘The Intelligence Explosion: When AI Beats Humans at Everything’ keynote address. Dr Ayesha Khanna, a globally recognised AI expert and CEO of Addo, also presented an interesting topic on “Resilient by Design: Shaping Inclusive Futures in an AI-Driven World”. 

On top of that, a “Leaders’ Masterclass” on “The Augmented Team: The Missing Link in Leadership Development” is included and featuring human transformation expert, global speaker and author, Dr Justin Cohen. IDECS2025 is hosted by Sarawak Government and is jointly organised by the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) and Sarawak Information Systems (SAINS) with Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation Sdn Bhd (Bioeconomy Corporation) as strategic partner.

All eyes on the official launching of Sarawak's economy masterplan in 13th Malaysian Plan (13MP)

We were delighted with the official launching of Sarawak’s economy in the forthcoming 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) which was graced by our right honourable Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg at Sheraton Hotel Kuching. The launching ceremony was attended by members of Sarawak State Cabinet together with heads from various agencies, departments and statutory bodies. In his speech, our esteemed premier had mentioned that Sarawak is poised in accelerating its civil service delivery while boosting transformation efforts and empowering private-sector participation as together we are heading towards realising our Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

As highlighted by the premier, Sarawak’s has solid foundation and is on the right track. Moreover, Sarawak’s goal is clear which to ensure every initiative under PCDS 2030 would deliver tangible outcomes that include improving lives, creating quality jobs, and expanding opportunities for all our local folks. In moving forward, Sarawak will leverage on its vast natural, capital assets and comparative advantages, combined with the latest technologies and ever ready skilled manpower, to drive more high-value downstream industries, expand green investments and create inclusive opportunities. This will ensure that none of our fellow Sarawakians is left behind in the fast moving journey towards equal prosperity.

As Sarawak’s state Finance and New Economy Minister, our premier also said that through strategic efforts, Sarawak is poised and plans to double the size of its economy from RM148.2 billion registered in 2024, to RM282 billion by 2030, with the potential median monthly household income targeted at RM15,000. This promising prospects also reflects our collective determination of uplifting the living standards of all Sarawakians whereby a stronger and more dynamic private sector will also be central to the projected growth. 

We strongly supports our premier’s pledge for Sarawak to remain fully committed in embedding environmental sustainability across all initiatives, with the long-term goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Such commitment will ensure that Sarawak’s growth under the 13MP would remain inclusive, resilient, and forward-looking. On the same note, our government have structured 15 key socio-economic sectors and enablers which will deliver strategic thrusts into tangible outcomes in line with the 13MP’s outlines for Sarawak. 

These sectors and enablers include energy transition; development of manufacturing and small-medium enterprises (SMEs); commercial agriculture; tourism, arts, culture and creative industries; forestry, natural assets (capital) management, and conservation; mining and oil and gas; infrastructure and utilities; transport and logistics; business services; digital transformation; innovation; education and human capital; social services; government transformation; and waste and circularity. According to our premier, ehese sectors reflect our evolving economic landscape and the focus on innovation-led, diversified and inclusive growth; and provide the framework through which Sarawak will deliver on its ambitious targets.

Overwhelming response to "Konsert Rakyat" at Padang Merdeka, Kuching held in conjunction with the 79th official birthday celebration of Sarawak's Governor

At least 20,000 of our local folks from around Kuching City, Samarahan, Serian, Bau and Lundu had thronged Padang Merdeka last night to watch the star-studded “Konsert Rakyat” held in conjunction with the 79th official birthday celebration of Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.

Fine weather was on our side and many had come as early as 6 pm to get the best seats at the concert that had showcased performances by top artistes including Aman Ra, Amir Masdi, Chopie Cakap, Alya Nabila, Apet Hafitz, Mawat, Adelynna, Keeyushee, Pinomal Band, Roxy Ixzy, and Black. The crowd was enthusiastic and had stay on until the event had end to watch the fireworks display over Padang Merdeka and surrounding areas.

We are delighted that our local folks were satisfied with the concert which was organised as part of Sarawak’s government efforts to make the Head of State’s birthday a celebration for the people. on the same evening, the State Banquet also took place at the State Legislative Assembly Complex and was graced by our Head of State who was accompanied by his wife, Yang Amat Berbahagia Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Binti Mohd. Sanusi together with local dignitaries including the right honourable Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg.

Over 10,000 participants from 110 contingents took part in the grand parade at Padang Merdeka, Kuching

Over 10,000 participants from 110 contingents took part in the grand parade at Padang Merdeka, Kuching to mark the 79th official birthday celebration of Sarawak’s Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar. Many of the contingents’ members had come very early in the morning to prepare  themselves for the exciting parade which had also attracted our city folks from throughout Kuching and its vicinities. The contingents which had taken part comprised of representatives from various state and federal uniformed bodies, government agencies, educational institutions, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Fine weather was also on our side and the three hour long parade went on smoothly and was also televised “live” over official social media channels by Unit Komunikasi Awam Sarawak (UKAS) and TV Sarawak (TVS). 

Padang Merdeka had came alive with vibrant colours, music and patriotic spirit during the much awaited parade and all had given their full attention on the royal box as His Excellency Tun Wan Junaidi, accompanied by his wife took the royal salute as participants from government departments, enforcement agencies, statutory bodies, schools, higher learning institutions and community organisations marched past in full ceremonial display.

Bintulu division will become host for this year's Sarawak Youth Week celebration from 13 to 19 October

Bintulu division will become host for this year's Sarawak Youth Week celebration which is on from 13 to 19 October. Over 5,000 youths from within and outside Bintulu are expected to participate in the annual event which is organised by Ministry of Youth, Sports & Entrepreneur Development Sarawak (MYSED). This year’s theme is “Our Aspirational Youth” and the event is aimed to give recognition, empowerment to our youths, as well as serve as a platform to develop the talents of young Sarawakians.

This programme is also expected to inspire positive changes among the young generation in our local community and it serves as a symbolic appreciation by Sarawak Government for the important role of youth in the holistic development of our nation and state.

The development of our youths had always received the attention of Sarawak Government, including through the implementation of the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS 2030) to drive them to progress. Various activities will be organised throughout the week, including “Youth Champion”, “Youth Active”, “Youth Marketplace”, “Youth Care” and “Youth Got Talent”. 

Colourful end to 2025 edition of Borneo Games, East Kalimantan Indonesia will become host in 2027

We congratulate East Kalimantan (KalTim), Indonesia, for having been selected as the host for the 2027 edition of the Borneo Games to be held in their beautiful city of Samarinda. The decision for East Kalimantan to host the 2027 games was reached unanimously during a meeting held at Sarawak Golf Club in Petra Jaya, Kuching on 27 September. Alhamdulillah, when the matter was tabled at the meeting, the Governor of East Kalimantan himself His Excellency Rudy Mas'ud had expressed readiness to host the next edition in Samarinda. Unanimously, all agreed that the 2027 Borneo Games will be held in East Kalimantan.

Following the success of this year’s edition in Sarawak, our government would continue to channel contributions and funds to develop sports in Borneo and support regional cooperation that could further enhance the quality of athletes. This was mentioned by our right honourable Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang JohariTun Abang Haji Openg during the closing ceremony of this year's games held at Penview Convention Centre (PCC) Demak on 28 September. Our esteemed Premier had also wished all the visiting athletes a safe journey back home to their families and call upon them to continue training to compete in East Kalimantan in 2027. 

According to him with God willing, by 2027, Sarawak will already have its own airline (AirBorneo) and for us to fly directly to Samarinda, the capital of East Kalimantan. We may also explore cooperation between AirBorneo and Royal Brunei Airlines to connect regions across Borneo region. He had commended the organising of this year's games, which had brought together athletes from Sarawak, Sabah, the Federal Territory of Labuan, Brunei Darussalam and East Kalimantan. The five-day event had reflected the spirit of friendship and understanding among Borneo’s regions that remained strong. The Games were first held in 1954 in Brunei Darussalam as a platform to unite athletes from Sarawak, Sabah and Brunei. But sadly after the 16th edition in 1970, the organising of the games came to a halt due to various constraints before being revived from 2005 to 2013, with the last edition hosted in Labuan. After another 12-year hiatus, the games returned to Kuching this year.  

The games had also given opportunities to those who have competed at the national level the chance to continue competing here, while also preparing for the SEA Games and even the Olympics.We are optimistic for the 2027 edition would be more vibrant with the possibility of wider participation from the five contingents of Sarawak, Sabah, Labuan, Brunei and East Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Good potential for lagoon at Kampung Telaga Air in Padawan to host future Sarawak Regatta and Sarawak International Dragon Boat Race

 I was given the honour to grace the closing and prize presentation ceremony of this year’s “Pesta Regatta Telaga Air” at Kampung Telaga Air in Padawan district and it was indeed an exciting event for the general public who thronged the fishing village since it started on 26 September. In my speech, I have mentioned our Sarawak Government commitment through Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) to supporting the organisation of regattas across the various divisions. Our ministry had offered financial assistance through the “Tourism Event Grant”, which organisers may apply for to facilitate the successful hosting of these culturally significant events. 

For the regatta at Kampung Telaga Air, the event has the potential to become the official venue for future Regatta Sarawak because of the suitable locality of the lagoon-like tributary there. This is also due to the increasing number of entries for both the Sarawak Regatta and Sarawak International Dragon Boats Race from throughout the region as well as overseas. The size of the Sarawak River at our iconic Kuching Waterfront is also not enough to accommodate the increasing numbers of boats competing in the various categories of the annual Sarawak Regatta and Sarawak International Dragon Boat Race.

The organising of regatta is popular in Sarawak because the water sports continues to attract the attention of locals and visitors alike with its unique blend of tradition, thrilling sportsmanship, and vibrant atmosphere. We congratulate both the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) and the Kampung Telaga Air committee members for having successfully organised this year’s regatta which had attracted participation from all over Sarawak.   

Board members meeting of Majlis Seni Sarawak (MSS)

This morning I had chaired the board members meeting for Majlis Seni Sarawak (MSS) which was held at Hilton Hotel Kuching and it was also attended by our Permanent Secretary to Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP), Datu Sherrina Haji Hussaini. The majority of our board members were also present except for two who were absence with apologies.

I have commended the good work of our board members and had also welcomed on board the acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Encik Awang Ikman Awang Bin Awang Sepian who had joined MSS recently. I have reminded on the important role and functions of MSS especially in supporting the organising of pillar events, programs and activities involving our Sarawak Government. Together we can achieve more and to continue the excellent service delivery to all stake holders including our local folks.  

Official launching ceremony of Borneo Games 2025 at Stadium Perpaduan Negeri Sarawak, Petra Jaya, Kuching City

The official launching of the much awaited Borneo Games 2025 was held on a modest scale but the atmosphere was still electric with over 1,000 athletes, their coaches and contingents officials showing their enthusiasm at the ceremony held at Stadium Perpaduan Negeri Sarawak in Petra Jaya, Kuching City. I was given the honour to official launch this year’s games that was last held in 2013. This year Sarawak is host for the games which is participated by contingents from our state, neighbouring Sabah, Labuan, Brunei and East Kalimantan (KalTim), Indonesia. In this year’s edition, there are five main sports featured which include athletics, swimming, badminton, lawn bowls, and archery with a total 124 medals that are up for grabs.

Sarawak is deeply honoured to to host the Borneo Games again and we are not looking so much at winning. The most important objective is for the games to be successful and we can strengthen our friendship with one another. The games is expected to be held every two years, with the next host to be determined before the end of this year’s edition scheduled on 28 September with the closing ceremony will be graced by our Right Honourable Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg.