KUCHING: The adoption of digital technology continues to play a pivotal role in empowering rural communities across Sarawak, ensuring they are not left behind in the wave of knowledge and development sweeping the state.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, said digital approaches are now a priority in making learning more accessible and engaging, particularly for communities in remote areas where literacy remains a challenge.

“In places without books, we can deploy digital solutions in rural areas where weekend activity centres involving village heads provide a platform for residents to gather and converse, much like the concept adopted under the Pusat Aktiviti Warga Emas (PAWE) programme.

“During these sessions, we can introduce digital devices and encourage participants to explore knowledge online. However, a new approach is needed—one that makes learning more engaging and entertaining for villagers.

“If learning is limited to just reading, it becomes dull. Therefore, interaction and creativity are essential when communicating in a digital environment,” he explained.

He was speaking at the Silver Jubilee celebration marking the 20th Anniversary of the Sarawak State Library (Pustaka Negeri Sarawak) held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Wednesday.

Citing the successful implementation of the Sumbangan Keperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS), which utilises the S Pay Global e-wallet for disbursement, the Premier expressed confidence that even senior citizens in villages can adapt to digital platforms to access literature, including folklore, poetry, and educational entertainment.

Commenting on the ongoing construction of the Sarawak State Archives building, he said this effort reflects the state government's commitment to preserving its historical legacy for future generations.

“The upcoming archive will be among the most advanced in the region, equipped to store both physical and digital copies of significant documents, including the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

“To date, we have secured several documents from the Historical Archives and the Museum of London, which I have requested to be permanently housed in our state archive,” he added.

Also present at the ceremony were the Premier’s wife, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Economic Planning and Development), Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, Chairman of the Sarawak State Library Board, Datuk Dr Abang Abdul Rauf Abang Zen, Chief Executive Officer of the Sarawak State Library, Japri Bujang Masli; department heads and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews