Micheal Ronnie Langgong, director of Sarawak service modernisation unit (left) and K Raman, managing director of Microsoft Malaysia
KUCHING, 22 June 2022 - The Sarawak government and Microsoft Malaysia have inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU), to accelerate digital transformation within the Sarawak government and key economic sectors including agricultural and manufacturing, as well as small medium enterprises (SMEs) in the state.
This collaboration came following the Cloud Framework Agreement signed between Microsoft and the Malaysian Administrative Modernisation and Management Planning Unit (Mampu), the tech giant said in a statement.
It said both parties will collaborate towards a trusted cloud network and empower the public sector with digital skills for civil servants through Microsoft's Enterprise Skills Initiative, with certificates and courses from Microsoft Learn, LinkedIn Learn and GitHub.
“Our aim is to develop Sarawak into a state with a thriving economy that is driven by data and innovation,” said Abang Johari Tun Openg, premier of Sarawak.
“For us to achieve our Sarawak 2030 vision, as well as our national objectives under the Malaysian Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDigital), we need to take on a more holistic approach that goes beyond building the state’s digital infrastructure.
“By partnering with Microsoft, we aspire to also equip Sarawakians with digital skills for the future,” said Abang Johari.
K Raman, managing director, Microsoft Malaysia, said Sarawak has been a key economic contributor to the Malaysian economy, making up 9.5% of our Malaysia's GDP.
“Our partnership with the state builds on our Bersama Malaysia commitment to empower our nation’s inclusive digital economy and advance digital transformation across the private and public sectors.
“From digital infrastructure to skilling and capabilities building, we want to empower every Sarawakian with equal opportunity to benefit from the wave of digital transformation, whilst ensuring sustainable growth for the state by leveraging technology,” said Raman.
As part of this collaboration, the Sarawak government will explore cloud-based solutions for the agricultural sector that leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning, and planned support for the manufacturing sector as well as SME players in the state.
It said it will also collaborate with Microsoft on cybersecurity strategies and roadmaps to improve its cybersecurity posture.
As it goes digital, the government said it will secure its cyberspace and deploy effective risk management solutions that are crucial for the long-term success of its digital transformation.
To realise the plans under this collaboration, Microsoft said it will partner with the government of Sarawak including the Sarawak Service Modernisation Unit, Sarawak Multimedia Authority, Centre of Technical Excellence Sarawak, Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation and Sarawak Information Systems.
Source: Digital News Asia