KUCHING, June 17: Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) has inked a strategic partnership with Univers, a global leader in AI and IoT technologies for energy, to establish Malaysia’s first Net Zero Centre of Excellence in Kuching.
According to a media release on Monday (June 16), the new centre will serve as an innovation hub, fusing digital intelligence with climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak’s transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
Formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the collaboration will focus on three core pillars, including delivering digital strategy design and advisory services for businesses and government agencies, drawing on Univers’ global expertise in AI and Net Zero solutions.
It will also focus on research and development (R&D) and innovation with the setting up of open labs, testbeds, and living labs to foster research, experimentation, and co-creation of intellectual property tailored to regional needs.
The collaboration is also aimed at rolling out real-world Net Zero projects across key sectors — from energy and manufacturing to hospitality — using AI to unlock smarter, cleaner and more efficient operations.
The collaboration will explore how digital tools can be harnessed to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and drive operational excellence across Sarawak’s key industries.
This landmark initiative is closely aligned with the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, reinforcing the State’s broader ambition to build a digitally driven, sustainable economy.
SDEC chief executive officer Dato Ir Ts Sudarnoto Osman described the collaboration as a major step forward in embedding digital solutions into how Sarawak designs and sustains its built environment.
“Sarawak is not just exploring AI — we’re already deploying it. At SDEC, we approach our mission with a designer’s mindset: connecting people to opportunity, data to decisions, and innovation to infrastructure.
“As a state-owned agency, our role goes beyond implementing digital projects. We’re here to shape a resilient, inclusive, and forward-facing digital economy that reflects the aspirations of all Sarawakians,” he said
Univers’ global vice president Arun Poojari emphasised the power of data, collaboration, and action in driving sustainability.
“We are bringing AI for Energy to the forefront — using intelligent systems to help emerging regions like Sarawak leapfrog into a Net Zero future.
“Sustainability is a journey built on digital capability, and this partnership aims to fast-track the transition to a low-carbon economy,” he said.
Beyond the centre’s immediate focus, the partnership may also extend to skills development and knowledge-sharing programmes to cultivate local talent and foster homegrown innovation.
Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Ir Lo Khere Chiang, Miri City Council (MCC) deputy mayor Ariffin Mohammad, Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (Sains) CEO Busiai Seman, and Arc Tech chief operating officer Hii Ding Sin were among the distinguished guests present.