KUCHING: The development of artificial intelligence (AI) skills needs to be expanded to rural schools to ensure young talent in these areas is not left behind in the digital transformation wave.

Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs, Public Communications and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol, said digital facilities in rural schools need to be improved in line with Sarawak's efforts to develop a technology-based economy.

According to him, interest and creativity in technology should not be seen as existing only among students in urban areas.

"I think we also need to pay attention to children in rural areas, particularly in terms of digital facilities at their schools, including the provision of equipment such as laptops and so on.

"Besides implementing programmes like this for those who are genuinely interested, we also need to nurture and cultivate interest in this field from the grassroots level, starting from primary school," 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.

He said the aspiration of Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg to enhance digital facilities, including the development of digital labs in primary and secondary schools, should be seen as an opportunity to nurture interest in AI from an early stage.

Datuk Abdullah, who is also Secretary of the Board of Trustees of Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (TEGAS), said exposure to technology needs to begin at the grassroots level so that rural students also have the opportunity to learn about, try and develop digital skills.

He added that providing better digital facilities in rural schools has the potential to open up opportunities for students to explore new fields without being limited by location factor. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Jonnie Kiew
Photos: Hazrin Sunaini
Translator: Uilson Ng