Premier: Sarawak may see emergence of post-AI technology within a decade

Borneo Post

02-07-2025

Abang Johari fields questions from reporters during the press conference. – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (July 2): Sarawak may witness the emergence of a new generation of advanced technology that surpasses the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) within the next five to ten years, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
According to Abang Johari, scientists are currently working on developing a new chip-based technology that could transform how machines process and verify information.
'That's where this technology is being developed. From what I've read, there is a chip that will be able to solve the problem. In the process of addressing this issue, the chip will be able to determine whether something is real or fake — essentially, it will serve as a kind of checkmate.
'But maybe in another five or ten years, we will have this technology. In this world, there must be natural opposites — up and down, light and dark, day and night. That kind of check and balance will eventually emerge. But it depends greatly on how this chip technology evolves. Ultimately, all of this comes down to the chip,' he said.
Abang Johari was responding to a question on whether the government plans to introduce new laws to regulate deepfake content and prevent technology-related scams during a press conference after officiating the opening ceremony of the Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2025 at a hotel here today.
'This is the first time we are organising a conference specifically for the media, and we have chosen a very relevant topic in this new era of technology — the impact of AI on the media sector,' he said.
He pointed out that current technological developments are advancing rapidly, driven primarily by innovations in chip technology.
'AI-generated content heavily depends on the objectives of its users. But in reality, AI is incredibly useful in sectors like healthcare and machine manufacturing, where it enables the creation of new devices by humans.
'That is why the question of ethics is crucial — it depends on the values of the natural brain, the human brain, and the artificial brain,' he said.
Abang Johari also touched on biomedical developments, highlighting the potential for AI to enhance human brain function through neurological concepts.
'If there are certain weaknesses in the human brain, the artificial brain can help boost it. In healthcare, we are now seeing the emergence of what is called generative medicine, where communication happens between cells — a stronger cell can help reinforce a weaker one,' he explained.
He added that AI, which began gaining traction just seven years ago, evolved from earlier technologies like virtual and augmented reality.
'Initially, what existed was virtual reality, where small things could be visualised as large. But now, that capability has merged with the machine's ability to think,' he said.
However, with the advancement of AI, there are growing concerns about misuse, especially through deepfakes.
'Deepfake content is becoming widespread — for example, earlier when I was shown to speak on the screen. That is the technology.
'So, there must be a technology that can verify whether something is genuine or not. Otherwise, scams will evolve — from data-based scams to vision-based ones,' he warned.
Therefore, Abang Johari emphasised that the evolution of technology, particularly in verifying authenticity, is already being researched and will likely play a major role in the near future.
Earlier, in his officiating speech, Abang Johari shared that a post-AI technology is currently under research by scientists, though details remain confidential.
'After AI, there will be another technology. It is currently being studied by scientists, and I cannot reveal much at the moment. But there will be an added technology alongside AI — a technology that can act as a checkmate to AI.
'Technology can check another technology. The research is being undertaken by scientists, and it is fundamentally based on algorithms,' he said.
Touching on the conference, Abang Johari expressed hope that it would establish a clear parameter between ethics and artificial intelligence (AI).
He stressed that the future will be determined by code — code that will shape the fabric of society.
'For Sarawak, we believe in balancing the natural and artificial approaches,' he said.
He also highlighted the importance of instilling a strong value system in the use of AI.
'We must not misuse it. AI is just a machine — a machine without the human touch. We, as humans, have emotions.
'And with that, I wish you all the best in this conference,' he added. abang johari AI chip-based technology lead Sarawak Media Conference 2025