KUCHING: Sarawak launched the Sovereign AI Infrastructure Platform as a measure to strengthen the management, governance and protection of the government's strategic data, while also accelerating the service delivery to the people.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said the platform allows the government to distinguish between general data that can be shared and exclusive and strategic data that must be protected.

According to him, the approach is crucial as the government possesses strategic data, particularly related to security and state interests, which cannot be shared openly.

"We are consolidating our data under one platform.

"If we share all that data, the question is which data is needed, and which data must be kept or protected, which is where Sovereign AI comes in,” he said.

He said this when speaking at the launch of the platform at a leading hotel here on Monday.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari added that general data related to government services, including those offered by government-linked companies (GLCs) and other agencies, could be shared to facilitate access to information.

He said that the public, for example, could obtain information on procedures for starting a business, necessary forms and related procedures through the platform.

Meanwhile, he said that understanding AI operations, data and data governance is crucial in ensuring that the technology can be effectively utilised.

According to him, Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS) will play a role in developing a trusted network to provide services needed by various agencies and the people.

According to the Sarawak Premier, the system also allows users to obtain information in advance to help them plan their next steps in doing business, while government agencies and ministries could also identify the development of projects under their respective portfolios, including the implementation stage of a project.

"This is where communication and engagement between clients, departments and the government is formed.

"In other words, we must have a very strong ecosystem in terms of data delivery, as well as the systems required in project implementation," he said.

Also present were Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, Sarawak Minister for Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Ministers, SAINS Chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam, SAINS Chief Executive Officer Busiai Seman, heads of departments and other dignitaries. -UKASnews

Prepared By: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Photo: Ameerul Shafiq Khir
Translator: Nerissa Sia