KUCHING – The Sarawak government is advancing its digital ambitions with the creation of several local artificial intelligence (AI) prototypes. These initiatives, revealed at a major technology conference, are designed to enhance public service delivery and drive economic growth. The developments signal a significant step in the state’s strategy to harness technology for the direct benefit of its communities.
Officials presented the progress at the Sarawak International Digital Economy Conference (IDECS) 2025, held at the Borneo Convention Centre, Kuching. Professor Dr Patrick Then, Chief Executive Officer of the Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre (SAIC), served as the keynote speaker for the announcement.
A cornerstone of this initiative is ‘DeepSight’, a sophisticated healthcare management platform. This system is engineered to facilitate comprehensive health monitoring for the state’s population. It utilises data stored within Sarawak’s own sovereign data centre, ensuring local control over sensitive information.
Professor Dr Patrick Then elaborated on the platform’s utility for governance. He stated, “Through a single dashboard, policymakers can see an overview of the people’s health status, which allows for more accurate and effective planning and resource allocation.” This data-driven approach is expected to lead to more informed public health decisions.
In a collaborative effort with the Ministry of Health Malaysia, SAIC has also engineered an AI diagnostic tool for skin and eye diseases. This technology is considered particularly vital for remote and rural clinics. It empowers frontline health workers to conduct preliminary screenings and identify potential conditions, even in the absence of a resident specialist.
Beyond healthcare, the AI drive extends into environmental protection. SAIC has produced a prototype of a digital Herbarium. This innovative system aims to digitise and accurately identify the vast array of plant species found within Sarawak’s forests. The project supports critical conservation efforts and provides a valuable resource for scientific research.
To improve public access to government information, a local AI model named the DeepSAR Chatbot has been developed. This tool is capable of providing instant answers to complex queries regarding official policies. It offers citizens a quick and easy way to understand initiatives such as the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
The development of these prototypes is part of a broader vision to position Sarawak as a regional leader in the digital economy. The state government has been actively investing in digital infrastructure and talent development to create a sustainable technology ecosystem.
Professor Dr Patrick Then emphasised a commitment to collaborative growth. He extended a welcome to local enterprises, academic institutions, and private individuals to partner with SAIC. The goal is to collectively strengthen the AI landscape in Sarawak, ensuring its benefits permeate all levels of society.
This multi-sectoral approach underscores a strategic focus on practical applications of AI. By targeting specific areas like healthcare, environmental science, and public administration, Sarawak aims to create tangible solutions to local challenges. The success of these prototypes could serve as a model for other regions embarking on similar digital transformation journeys.
