KUCHING (Sept 9): Sarawak is set to showcase its next generation of technological capabilities at the ninth International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS26), as the state seeks to translate investments in advanced technologies into commercial opportunities and real-world applications.

Returning to the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) from Oct 5 to 6, IDECS26 is jointly organised by the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) and Sarawak Information Systems (SAINS).

Held under the theme “Scaling Innovation Ecosystems for a Borderless Economy: Earth, Orbit and Beyond”, the conference will bring together industry players, investors, researchers and policymakers to explore technologies expected to shape Sarawak’s next phase of economic development.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who is Patron of IDECS26, will officiate the conference and deliver the opening address.

This year’s four focus areas — artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, digital talent and the emerging space economy — reflect Sarawak’s efforts to strengthen its technological capabilities and expand its participation in advanced industries.

State Utility and Telecommunication Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said Sarawak was entering a new phase in which the focus was on translating investments in digital infrastructure, talent and innovation into greater economic value.

“Sarawak has made deliberate investments over the years to build the foundations of a digital economy, from connectivity and infrastructure to talent and innovation.

“We are now entering the next phase, where the measure of success is not how much technology we deploy, but the economic value we create from it,” he told a press conference here today.

Julaihi said Sarawak was targeting a RM282 billion economy by 2030, with digitalisation playing a critical role in raising productivity, attracting higher-value investments and creating new sources of economic growth.

He said the state wanted its digital investments to attract private capital, foster higher-value industries locally and strengthen the position of Sarawakian companies and talent in regional and global markets.

IDECS26 will feature five main tracks — The Future, Future Cities, Startup Village, SHE-TECH Asia Forum and the Centre of Excellence for Digital Economy (CoE).

Among the international and regional speakers are former Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Dr Soichi Noguchi, Professor Jason Pomeroy, Dr Catherine Ball, Dr Nici Sweaney and De Kai.

The conference is also expected to feature new memoranda of understanding, launches and announcements covering technology, research, industry and ecosystem development.

The event builds on IDECS25, which attracted more than 10,000 delegates and concluded with 22 strategic agreements and collaborations in areas including AI, connectivity and the bioeconomy.

IDECS26 is supported by partners including UMobile, Huawei, SMD Semiconductor, MEASAT, Reach Ten, SACOFA and the Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre (SAIC).

Registration is now open via the IDECS website, with free admission available to eligible attendees.