Sarawak 2030 Digital Economy Blueprint: Vision Towards a Tech Strong State

(KUALA LUMPUR, 10th) "This is to ensure that Sarawak does not fall behind in the digital economy wave, as most developing countries are already at the forefront of the digital economy, and also to ensure that Sarawak achieves developed region status as scheduled before 2030." — Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari (4 October 2023)
The rapidly developing wave of technology is swiftly reshaping the world, and Sarawak is riding the momentum. As the globe sprints ahead on the fast lane of tech innovation, Sarawak is also picking up pace, striving to fully realise statewide digital transformation before 2030. As early as 2018, Sarawak launched its digital economy initiative, setting a clear direction of achieving high income and developed region status before 2030 through digitalisation.
Leading this grand process is the "Sarawak 2030 Digital Economy Blueprint", a visionary roadmap that serves as both a "compass" and a "propellant", propelling Sarawak to rank among the world's tech-strong regions. The blueprint, spearheaded by Sarawak’s Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, builds on the solid foundation of the "Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy 2018–2022". It clearly outlines the mission to make Sarawak an advanced, technology-based economy and is closely aligned with the State Government's overall vision for comprehensive development by 2030.

To achieve statewide digital coverage, Sarawak will need to build a total of 7,000 telecommunication towers. As of March 18, 2024, 3,590 towers have been completed, with another 1,053 expected to be constructed and operational by the end of 2024, bringing 4G coverage to 93.6%. At the same time, Sarawak expects to achieve a 5G coverage rate of 64.8% by mid-2024.
This blueprint, officially launched on October 4, 2023, is a holistic plan that encompasses both economic and social development. It aims to benefit the public sector, business community, and society as a whole through improving public services, driving sustainable business models, expanding global markets, creating new job opportunities, and enhancing overall society's well-being.
The blueprint responds to Sarawak's urgent need to adapt to the world’s ever-growing reliance on digital technology, especially in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, as digital technology’s impact on industries and daily life grows deeper. Through this transformation, Sarawak will remain competitive in the new digital age and ensure that its people share in the outcomes brought by digitalisation. The blueprint is not only a catalyst for economic transformation but also seeks to promote overall social transformation, ensuring "no one is left behind" in the digital revolution.
The blueprint emphasises the key role of digital technology in boosting productivity, efficiency, and overall economic output. Through embracing innovation across various fields, Sarawak aims to build a resilient, diversified economic structure suited to the digital era. The state government aims to leverage digitalisation to inject new momentum into information and communication technology (ICT), e-commerce, and digital services industries, transforming Sarawak from a traditional resource-based economy to an environmentally friendly and sustainable technology-oriented economy.
With the objective that every Sarawakian, both urban and rural, can participate and benefit from the digital economy, the blueprint focuses on bridging the "digital divide", ensuring equal access to digital tools, resources, and opportunities. By prioritising social inclusion, it aims to foster greater social cohesion and ensure that the benefits of digital transformation reach all segments and regions.

The Five Core Strategic Pillars

1. Priority Sectors for Economic Growth
This pillar focuses on the key sectors for economic expansion through digitalisation, including ICT, e-commerce, digital services, and agriculture industries, prioritising digital investment and development to build a globally competitive digital economy system.

2. Cultivating Growth of Digital Enterprises
The blueprint focuses on supporting digital entrepreneurship, driving innovation, nurturing new business models and start-ups, and helping enterprises scale up rapidly and enter international markets. By providing resources, guidance, and infrastructure, Sarawak will build a vibrant digital enterprise ecosystem, which will drive employment and economic diversification.

3. Transforming Public Sector and Services
The blueprint is committed to modernising government services, making them more efficient, convenient, and people-centric. By leveraging digital technology, the State Government will simplify public affairs processes, increase service efficiency, and strengthen transparency, making it easier for the public to access government services and strengthening trust between the government and the people.

4. Introducing Cutting-Edge Technologies
To remain at the forefront of digital innovation, the blueprint encourages the adoption of frontier technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT). These technologies can not only boost productivity and create new business opportunities, but also help position Sarawak as a hub of technological innovation, attracting investment and talent.

5. Accelerating Digital Readiness
To successfully advance the digital transformation, comprehensive preparation in infrastructure, human resources, and communities is essential. This pillar focuses on improving digital literacy, strengthening digital skills, and providing individuals and businesses with the necessary tools to build a resilient, high-skilled digital workforce.

Anticipated Outcomes

By 2030, all Sarawakians will have seamless access to high-speed internet, promoting full digital participation across education, healthcare, business, entertainment, and more, resulting in digital inclusion statewide.
The digital economy is expected to create 39,000 to 48,750 high-income job opportunities, especially concentrated in ICT and digital industries, not only offering vast development opportunities for highly skilled talents, but also significantly raising household incomes. The digital economy's contribution to household income is expected to be at least 20%, becoming a crucial engine for Sarawak's economic prosperity.
Through upskilling and reskilling programmes tailored to industry needs, as well as strengthening technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and higher education curriculums, Sarawak will produce a large number of "work-ready" graduates to fully meet the high-level talent demands of the digital economy.
As for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the blueprint expects to drive 80% of small enterprises to complete digital transformation, equipping them with the necessary tools, technology, and connectivity to explore new growth areas and enhance international competitiveness in the digital economy.
The blueprint also targets to establish 500 high-tech start-ups, creating a vibrant digital innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, transforming Sarawak into a regional innovation and technology hub, creating jobs within the state, attracting talent, and nurturing an innovative culture.
Externally, Sarawak aims to achieve a 50% growth in ICT and digital investment by 2030. Platforms such as InvestSarawak will play a key role in driving innovation, attracting more tech-based companies, and strengthening Sarawak's position in the global digital economy.

More Than Just Technology

The "Sarawak 2030 Digital Economy Blueprint" is not just an action plan, but a grand vision for the future. It is not just about technology, but also about building an empowered, inclusive, and sustainable digital society. As Sarawak transitions from a traditional resource-based economy to a technology-driven economy, the state government aims to set new benchmarks in innovation, productivity, and social well-being, steadily progressing toward the goal of becoming a regional tech-strong state.