- IDECS25 sees record participation & 25 partnerships with local, global partners
- Momentum building with State’s digital and green vision shifting into delivery mode
The 8th International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS25) concluded yesterday injecting greater momentum for Sarawak to turn its digital and green vision into action, said the state govt.
Held from 22 to 23 Oct at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), IDECS25 attracted a record participation with 129 speakers, 202 exhibitors, and 40 sponsors under the theme “AI & Green Evolution: Growth, Challenges & Community Resilience.”
The event underscored Sarawak’s emergence as a regional model for ethical AI, sustainable innovation, and inclusive growth aligned with the Post- COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
Twenty-two strategic MoUs, MoAs, and collaborations were signed over the two days, across AI, connectivity, bioeconomy, and green technology, reinforcing Sarawak’s commitment to building a secure, intelligent, and inclusive digital ecosystem.
Besides the conference and exhibition, a TikTok Shop live selling competition was launched under SDEC’s Sarawak Digital Mall initiative. The programme empowers 100 Sarawakian entrepreneurs through livestream-commerce training and digital sales mentorship, culminating in a grand finale at the Kuching Waterfront this December. The competition reflects how Sarawak’s digital-economy strategy translates into real market opportunities for MSMEs and grassroots businesses.
In his address, “Ethical AI and the Green Digital Economy,” Julaihi Narawi, Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak, outlined Sarawak’s approach to responsible innovation anchored on renewable energy and ethical governance.
“Leadership in this digital decade will not be measured by speed, but by responsibility. Our task is not just to lead in technology, but to lead with conscience to shape growth that uplifts people, protects the planet, and strengthens communities,” he said.
Sessions such as Smart Cities, Smarter Communities and The Ethical Firewall expanded on these themes, exploring how data and policy can build trust and resilience. The SHE-TECH Asia Forum 2025 further spotlighted women leaders driving digital and green progress across the region, while the Startup Village connected emerging founders and investors through live demos and mentorship sessions that showcased Sarawak’s growing innovation ecosystem.
The Sarawak Digital Economy Awards (DEA) 2025, held during the IDECS25 Gala Dinner last night and officiated by (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Openg, Premier of Sarawak, celebrated excellence and innovation across seven categories, from digital government and creative content to environmental sustainability, industry transformation, and start-ups.
The evening’s highest honour, the Premier’s Digital Economy Award 2025, was presented to X-Fab Sdn Bhd, recognising its outstanding contribution to Sarawak’s digital transformation journey. The award not only confers state-level prestige but also includes an all-expenses-paid opportunity for the winner to represent Sarawak at the Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, positioning the State’s innovators on a global stage.
Closing IDECS25, Amar Mohamad Morshidi (pic, above), Chairman of Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation and Deputy Chairman of IDECS, said the conference had moved Sarawak from ambition to action.
“IDECS25 showed what it means to deliver on our ambitions. The partnerships forged here will translate into pilots, services, and opportunities that people can feel, strengthening a digital economy that is ethical, secure, and inclusive for Sarawakians and our regional partners,” he said.
IDECS25 also aligns with ASEAN’s green and digital agenda, showcasing Sarawak as a working model for collaboration and delivery. Looking ahead, Sarawak will continue to prioritise green intelligence, trust, inclusivity, and regional collaboration, ensuring that innovation remains both human-centred and sustainable.
Table here offers snapshots of some of the 22 collaborations inked during IDECS25:
No.
Parties Involved
Focus
Objective
a.
SDEC & Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
Hybrid Cloud Platform for Data & AI Solutions
Collaboration on cloud and AI infra to support broadband and digital services under JENDELA initiative.
b.
SDEC, TELIN & ITCO Niaga Sdn Bhd
Indonesia Cable Express II (ICE II)
Joint planning of a high capacity fibre optic submarine cable linking Indonesia, M’sia and S’pore to boost regional connectivity and resilience.
c.
SDEC & MDEC
Digital Talent & Innovation Collaboration
Collaboration to advance Sarawak’s digital economy via talent development, SME digitalisation, Malaysia Digital promotion, AI ecosystem growth, and creative industry expansion.
d.
Bioeconomy Corporation & BioVerde Technologies Sdn Bhd
Collaboration On Bioeconomy Development In Sarawak To Drive Economic Growth
Drives growth by linking innovation to markets, funding sustainable ventures, fostering talent and research, expanding the bioeconomy, sharing insights to shape policy & collaboration.
e.
Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre & Insights Analytics Bhd
AI & Digital Twin Solutions
Advancing AI and digital twin technologies through research and training.
f.
Insights Analytics Bhd & 51VR PTE LTD
AI & Digital Twin Development
Exploring market opportunities for digital twin technology in Sarawak.
g.
ZTE & SACOFA Sdn Bhd
Next-Gen Network Modernisation
Cooperation on AI-powered network infrastructure and smart city solutions.
h.
TERAJU, Bank Rakyat & Agrobank
Bumiputera Sarawak Sabah Scale Up Fund
Financing initiative supporting micro- enterprises and sole proprietors in Sarawak and Sabah.
i.
SAINS & LATCONNECT60
AI, Satellite Data Infrastructure & Remote Sensing
Satellite-based innovation and remote sensing applications for Sarawak.
j.
TM One & Bintulu Port Holdings Bhd
Smart Port Digitalisation Partnership
Enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability at Bintulu Port.
k.
SMD & Rebellions Inc (Korea)
AI Chip Integration Centre Collaboration
Malaysia–Korea framework on AI chip design and commercialisation.
l.
ZECON & Sarawak Energy Bhd
Power Purchase Agreement
To develop solar farm to power data centre and green technology park
