KUCHING: Sarawak has reaffirmed its commitment to spearhead an inclusive and progressive digital future through visionary leadership and the implementation of high-impact policies.

Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, stressed that Sarawak is not just following the digital progress trend, but is determined to be the catalyst for digital transformation in the region.

“Leadership in today’s fast-changing world is not just about vision, but requires action, adaptation and the courage to innovate,” he said in his speech at the Sarawak Leadership Talk themed ‘Pioneering Progress – Leadership in Shaping Sarawak’s Digital Future’ at the Sarawak Skills Auditorium on Thursday.

Dato Sri Roland Sagah added that Sarawak has implemented various strategic initiatives in driving the state’s digital transformation through the Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy 2018–2022, which includes 47 actions in nine key sectors.

He explained that among the important initiatives are the establishment of CENTEXS Digital Academy and Digital Village to train youth and support startups, as well as the establishment of the Integrated Talent Development Agency (INTA) to align education with industry needs.

"The government is also implementing the Digital Inclusivity Programme to expand access to technology to rural areas through smart classrooms and internet access.

"This includes introducing Sarawak ID and an open source data framework to increase efficiency, transparency and convenience in the delivery of government services," he explained.

In this regard, Dato Sri Roland stressed that technology alone is not enough without ethical, inclusive and far-sighted leadership.

To achieve this, his ministry is committed to shaping students who are critical thinkers, creative, literate in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and digitally skilled, to ensure a generation that is ready to take on the challenges of the digital economy. -UKASnews