SIBU – The Sarawak government is pivoting towards a new era of administration where digital technology and data analytics serve as the primary catalysts for policy formulation and implementation.
This strategic shift was highlighted by the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, who emphasised the necessity of adapting to the rapidly evolving global technological landscape.
Speaking at the Sarawak Day 2026 Nyambut Townhall session held at Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS), the premier outlined how the state intends to leverage these tools to transform its administrative framework.
He noted that while digital technology has been in use for several years, it has now matured into a fundamental reality that reshapes how organisations operate and how leaders make critical decisions. The integration of these technologies is no longer optional but essential for modern governance.
A key component of this transformation is the Sarawak International Digital Economy Convention (IDECS). The Premier described the convention as a vital platform designed to attract technology experts from across the globe.
By bringing in international specialists, the state aims to support local inventors and developers of new technologies. This exchange of knowledge is intended to help Sarawak’s innovators adapt to modern management practices and technological standards.
“We have brought experts from around the world with new technology to help us change the way the inventors of this breed manage to the new one,” the Premier stated during his address.
This quote underscores the government’s commitment to fostering an environment where local talent can thrive through exposure to global best practices and cutting-edge innovations.
The Deputy Minister of the Sarawak Premier’s Office, responsible for Corporate Affairs, Payments and UKAS, Datuk Abdullah Saidol, served as the keynote speaker for the session. His presence further reinforced the administration’s focus on integrating corporate efficiency with public service delivery.
The Premier elaborated on the specific technologies being considered, including blockchain. He suggested that such innovations could bring greater order to administrative processes and elevate the standard of governance.
Data accuracy was identified as a cornerstone of this new approach. The Premier stressed that reliable data is crucial for shaping policy frameworks and installation guides. “The digital economy that we need to use technology to process data has to influence our policies,” he explained.
This statement highlights a move away from intuition-based decision-making towards evidence-based governance, where policies are crafted based on robust data analysis.
To illustrate the practical application of this strategy, the Premier cited the example of prison management. He pointed out how reliable data could be used to optimise the planning and distribution of correctional facilities across the state.
By analysing demographic and crime data, the government can strategically plan resources in areas such as Namban and Beisa Empas, ensuring that infrastructure meets actual community needs rather than arbitrary targets.
The townhall session was attended by a high-profile contingent of state leaders, reflecting the cross-ministerial importance of the digital agenda. Among those present were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, and Datuk Amar Prof. Dr. Sim Kui Hian.
Also in attendance were several cabinet ministers, including Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts), Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah (Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Cooperatives), and Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn (Science, Technological Innovation and Digitalisation).
Other key figures included Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin (Transportation), Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi (Utilities and Telecommunications), and Dato Sri Dr. Stephen Rundi Utom (Local Government and Housing).
The Secretary to the Cabinet, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, along with various ministry staff and officers, also participated in the event. Their collective presence signalled a unified front in driving Sarawak’s digital transformation.
As the state continues to navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the emphasis on digital literacy and data-driven decision-making marks a significant departure from traditional administrative methods.
By embracing these changes, Sarawak aims to create a more efficient, transparent, and responsive government capable of meeting the challenges of a digital-first world.
The success of initiatives like IDECS and the adoption of technologies such as blockchain will likely define the trajectory of the state’s development in the coming years.
