KUCHING: Sarawak is leveraging its natural resources by combining them with technology, knowledge and engineering to create greater economic value and strengthen the state’s competitiveness.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said natural resources will remain an important source of Sarawak’s economic strength, but the greater opportunity lies in the state’s ability to combine these resources with technology and expertise.

According to him, Sarawak already has several advantages in place, including renewable energy resources, expanding digital infrastructure, universities, research institutions and an established industrial base.

“This also gives practical meaning to the idea of a borderless economy.

“Greater connectivity should not mean only greater access to technologies, products and services developed elsewhere. It should also enable Sarawak to contribute its own products, expertise and innovation to the world,” he said.

He said this when speaking at the opening of the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2026 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Monday.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari added that these strengths need to be brought together more effectively so that technology contributes not only to new industries, but also to greater productivity and value across the economy.

He explained that this approach would enable Sarawak to participate more actively in the wider economy by developing its own capabilities and connecting them to global markets.

Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Sarawak Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers, heads of departments and other invited guests. -UKASnews