BARCELONA: Sarawak continues to expand its global cooperation network when it holds a strategic meeting with Huawei, a world-leading technology company, in conjunction with the Mobile World Congress 2026 (MWC 2026).

This initiative is an effort to strengthen digital infrastructure and smart utilities that directly benefit the people of the state.

The meeting, led by Sarawak Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Liwan Lagang, focused on the expansion of high-quality digital connectivity, sustainable smart utility systems and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, cloud computing and data-based solutions.

According to him, the move to strengthen international cooperation is in line with Sarawak's aspirations under the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 to emerge as an advanced digital economy and regional innovation hub.

“Strategic partnerships like this are important to ensure that Sarawak’s digital transformation is not only policy-based, but is actually translated into improved quality of life for the people through more stable internet access, more efficient utility systems and new economic opportunities,” he said during the engagement session on Monday local time.

He added that Huawei, which is recognised as a global leader in information and communications technology, has extensive expertise in the development of large-scale telecommunications networks, smart digital platforms and sustainable digital energy solutions.

“Huawei’s experience in implementing large-scale networks and smart platforms in various international markets is seen as relevant to strengthening Sarawak’s digital and utility ecosystems,” he added.

Meanwhile, Datuk Liwan expressed hope that the discussions would pave the way for cooperation in the fields of telecommunications, smart utilities, digital platforms and capacity development, thus creating a solid foundation for innovation and long-term knowledge transfer that will bring tangible benefits to Sarawak.

"We are pleased to hold an engagement session with Huawei in conjunction with MWC 2026, recognising the company as a global leader in information and communications technology with extensive experience in telecommunications infrastructure, cloud computing, artificial intelligence and digital power solutions.

"Huawei's proven track record in implementing large-scale networks and intelligent platforms across various international markets provides valuable insights and references for Sarawak in its efforts to strengthen the state's digital and utility ecosystems," he explained.

The Huawei delegation was led by Vice President of Global Government
Affairs Department Chao Xie, Principal Consultant of Global Government Affairs Department Yanqing Lin, President of Overseas Market for Huawei Global Public Service Digitalisation BU Fei Xu, APAC ICT Marketing and Solutions Sales Department Director (Enterprise) Yidong Wang, and CEO of Malaysia Representative Office Simon Sun.

Also present were Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) Chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani, SDEC Board Member Dato Ir Janang Bungsu, Deputy Permanent Secretary to the Sarawak Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) Syed Mohamad Fauzi Shahab, General Manager of Sarawak Multimedia Authority Dato Dr Anderson Tiong Ing Heng, SDEC Chief Executive Officer Dato Ir Ts Sudarnoto Osman, SMD Semiconductor Chief Executive Officer Shariman Jamil as well as senior officials from various departments and agencies in Sarawak. -UKASnews