KUCHING: The cost of mastering artificial intelligence (AI) technology needs to be given attention to ensure that talented young people do not face constraints in obtaining the necessary equipment and software.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs, Public Communications and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol, said the need for high-performance devices and AI application subscriptions is making the cost of developing skills in this field increasingly high.
"For this, they really need equipment such as gaming laptops, which can cost between RM9,000 and RM15,000 or possibly more.
"Among the feedback we have received is that, besides laptops and gadgets, they also need to purchase and subscribe to applications that are quite expensive because subscription payments are made in US dollars," he said.
He said this while speaking at the Closing Ceremony of the "AI For Makers: Borneo Makers Festival 2026" programme at TEGAS Digital Village here on Monday.
Meanwhile, Datuk Abdullah said feedback from "AI For Makers" participants regarding the need for equipment, software and financial support would be brought to the attention of the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, for consideration.
Elaborating further, he said the approach to developing AI talent should not be limited to providing basic education and devices alone, but must also take into account their actual needs in producing digital products and solutions.
Datuk Abdullah, who is also Secretary of the Board of Trustees of Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (TEGAS), said such support is important to enable young Sarawakian talents to continue developing their skills and producing digital products with commercial potential.
Also present were TEGAS Chief Executive Officer Udin Bujang, Gig Venture Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Officer Khairul Ikhwan Zulkefly, Persatuan Kreatif AI Malaysia (PeKA) President Azizan Rubaan, WRNA DIGITAL Sdn Bhd Director Muhammad Azim Idris, and Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre (SAIC) Administrative Executive Muhammad Haiqal Muhammad Morshidi. -UKASnews
Prepared by: Jonnie Kiew
Photos: Hazrin Sunaini
Translator: Uilson Ng
