SINGAPORE: Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel held a strategic meeting with IBM Singapore at its office in Marina Boulevard to explore potential areas of collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing and cybersecurity to support Sarawak’s transformation agenda.

IBM Singapore was led by Managing Partner for IBM Consulting ASEAN Abraham Thomas, together with Partner of IBM Global Business Services Balasubrahmanyam Pappu and members of their senior leadership team.

During the engagement on Wednesday, IBM shared its global transformation journey, highlighting that successful organisational transformation is driven by effective change management, supported by the elimination of operational complexity, simplification of end-to-end workflows, automation of manual processes and the deployment of AI across business operations to improve productivity and efficiency.

The discussion focused on three strategic areas of mutual interest, namely AI as a long term investment theme, quantum computing platforms as well as strengthening cybersecurity capabilities to safeguard critical digital infrastructure and future digital services.

Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah emphasised Sarawak’s commitment to building a resilient and innovation driven digital economy under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

He noted that advanced technologies such as AI and quantum computing will play a pivotal role in enhancing government service delivery, attracting high-value investments and positioning Sarawak as a competitive regional digital hub.

The meeting also explored opportunities for knowledge sharing, technology transfer and strategic collaboration between IBM Singapore and Sarawak’s agencies in developing future ready digital capabilities.

Joining the meeting were Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre (SAIC) Professor Dr Patrick Then, Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (STATOS) Chew Chang Guan and Chief Technology Officer of Sarawak Information Systems Sdn. Bhd. (SAINS) Than Shau Bui. -UKASnews