KUCHING: Sarawak is currently examining the use of satellite technology to obtain comprehensive imaging of the state’s topography, as part of efforts to strengthen data-driven development planning in the future.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, said the initiative is being explored in collaboration with the Department of Land and Survey (JTS) to enable the collection of detailed data on the state’s terrain for strategic use.

“This includes mangrove forests, logging areas, the types of logging zones, and so on, so that we can plan for our future.

“With such data, delivered through technology, we can move forward,” he said when officiating at the 16th Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) Engineering Conference 2026 at a leading hotel here on Tuesday.

The Sarawak Premier added that the world is now rapidly advancing from the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) towards agentic AI, and is expected to enter a phase of strategic AI within the next five years, centred on large-scale data management.

He explained that the ability to collect and utilise data, including through the use of low Earth orbit satellites, will become a key driver of the global economy in the future.

As such, he said Sarawak is placing emphasis on the development of the aerospace sector as well as signal technology in preparation for the future digital economy.

“Of course, we need a new generation of engineers to guide us. That is why engineering is so important,” he added.

At the highlight of the event, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari also witnessed the conferment of the title of Adjunct Professor of the Faculty of Engineering upon the Member of Parliament for Tanjung Manis, who is also Chairman of the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia, Dato Ir Yusuf Abdul Wahab.

He also witnessed the exchange of 11 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between UNIMAS and various international universities, as well as national and international organisations, including key players in the engineering industry.

The MoU exchanges involved TNB Lab Sdn Bhd, Pukyong National University (Korea), University of Kratie (Cambodia), Pipeline Integrity Consulting Engineers Pte Ltd (Singapore), Spring Semiconductor Sdn Bhd, Advanced Semiconductor Academy of Malaysia, ZHA Environmental Sdn Bhd, MYCOLD, Dura Technology (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd, EPR (Kuching) Sdn Bhd, and the Sarawak Sewerage Services Department.

Also present were the Sarawak Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Chairman of the UNIMAS Board of Directors, Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Sulong Matjeraie, UNIMAS Vice-Chancellor, Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Photo: Muhammad Rais Sanusi
Translator: Uilson Ng