KUCHING: Approvals are currently being sought from the State Planning Authority (SPA) for phase two of the Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (TEGAS) Digital Co-Living Nomad Lodge construction which is scheduled to commence next year.

According to TEGAS Chairman, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, phase two of the project involves an expansion plan to introduce new facilities aimed at attracting digital nomads and researchers to the region.

“The Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg agreed last year to move forward with our plans.

“The expansion will cover an additional 15 acres behind the existing five-acre site, incorporating new facilities designed to cater to digital nomads from abroad,” he said.

He said this when met by reporters after the T&T Mini Lab Battlefield 2024 Award Presentation Ceremony at TEGAS Digital Village on Monday.

Also present were representative of the Kuching Education Department, Dr Kho Siaw Hui, Chief Executive Officer of TEGAS, Udin Bujang, Senior Manager of TEGAS Community Innovative Learning (TCIL), Fredick Kevin Buseli, and others.

Datuk Len who is also the Sarawak Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment added that the phase two will include a hotel and a multifunctional hall capable of accommodating up to 1,000 people, alongside amenities such as a digital gym and spa.

“Our goal is to create an environment where international visitors can work while exploring our region,” he added while emphasising the growing trend of digital nomadism in countries like Spain, Portugal, and the United States.

In November 2023, the Sarawak Premier announced that RM71 million has been allocated for the construction of the co-living nomad lodge with the aim of providing a resting space and facilities for researchers and students who are doing their research work at TEGAS Digital Village.

“Tegas Digital Co-Living Nomad Lodge which has now started construction at the Samajaya High Technology Industrial Park will be completed within 36 months,” he said. -UKASnews