Washington DC's International Data Centre Authority to back Sarawak's digital economy drive
KUCHING (Aug 20): The Washington DC-based International Data Centre Authority (IDCA) has pledged support to Sarawak to provide expertise in building a sustainable and resilient digital economy ecosystem.
IDCA Asean head Md Shahriman M Sidek, who paid a courtesy call to the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Satria Pertiwi Complex today, said the authority offers policy advisory services to governments and corporations.
'To ensure the growth of the digital economy, it requires robust infrastructure such as telecommunications towers, data centres, and international connectivity through fibre optic and submarine cables,' said Md Shahriman, according to a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) report.
During the courtesy call, Abang Johari stressed that Sarawak must not only develop digital hubs and data centres but also secure a global network to future-proof its infrastructure.
He said IDCA's expertise would help guide the state's expansion plans, especially in data centres.
Talks also touched on Sarawak's push for data hub development, energy supply, and sustainability.
Also present were State Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication permanent secretary Datu Jafri Lias, Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) general manager Dato Dr Anderson Tiong Ing Heng, and IDCA special project director Johnson Yu Weng Lok. Abang Johari digital economy International Data Centre Authority lead
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Farm Price posts RM5.6m net profit in 1H FY25 on lower costs
SENAI: Johor-based wholesaler and distributor of fresh vegetables, food and beverage (F&B) products and other groceries, Farm Price Holdings Bhd posted a revenue of RM60.5 million for the six months (1H) ended June 30, 2025, compared to RM61.3 million in 1H FY24 due to softer market demand for fresh vegetables. The wholesale segment remained the primary revenue contributor, accounting for 93.7% of total revenue in the 1H of FY25, with the remainder derived from the retail segment. Geographically, Malaysia contributed 70.3% of total revenue, with Singapore's portion rising to 29.7% amid continued growth. Meanwhile, net profit rose to RM5.6 million, a 30.3% year-on-year (YoY) increase from RM4.3 million last year, mainly due to the absence of non-recurrent listing expenses incurred in 1H FY24. For Q2 FY25, the group recorded revenue of RM30.6 million, while net profit surged to RM3.1 million, marking an 88.6% YoY growth from RM1.7 million in Q2 FY24. The improvement was attributable to more favourable vegetable sourcing costs, as well as the absence of non-recurring listing expenses mentioned earlier. Managing director Dr Lawrence Tiong Lee Chian said the company is making steady progress in its regional expansion initiatives. 'Notably, our recently established Sabah distribution centre in February 2025 is gaining traction, and we anticipate a stronger contribution in the coming quarters. 'Meanwhile, the expansion of our centralised distribution centre in Senai (Senai CDC) is progressing as scheduled, with approximately 85% completed, and remains on track for completion by the end of 2025. 'The expansion will nearly double the built-up area from 78,721 square feet to 149,548 square feet, thereby increasing the capacity for value-added services such as prepacked and fresh-cut vegetables to cater to the rising demand from the Singapore market. 'All in all, we remained committed to executing our growth initiatives, including expanding our geographical distribution footprint, capturing the growing Singapore market through the new Senai CDC, enhancing operational efficiency and maintaining competitiveness, while exploring synergistic new investment opportunities for horizontal expansion beyond vegetables. 'Importantly, we believe these efforts will also contribute to the greater cause of strengthening food security in the region,' Lawrence said. On a quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) basis, the group achieved revenue of RM30.6 million in Q2 FY25, up 2.8% from RM29.8 million in Q1 FY25. This growth was mainly supported by stronger market demand, with net profit rising 24.5% QoQ to RM3.1 million in Q2 FY25 from RM2.5 million in Q1 FY25, driven by lower average purchase costs during the current quarter. Farm Price maintained a healthy financial position in the current quarter, supported by a net cash position and net assets per share of RM0.14. The group also generated a net operating cash flow of RM7.0 million in 1H FY25.
New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- New Straits Times
China's carbon emissions fell in the first half of this year, study shows
BEIJING, Aug 21 () - China's carbon dioxide emissions dropped 1% in the first half of 2025 from the same period last year, helped by growing use of renewable energy to generate power, according to a study by the Helsinki-based Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. Emissions from the power sector, the top source of greenhouse gases in China, fell 3 per cent during the six-month period, according to the study by CREA's lead analyst Lauri Myllyvirta for UK-based research organisation Carbon Brief. Myllyvirta attributed the drop to more renewable electricity from China's rapidly growing fleet of solar power plants, which is expected to see another year of record capacity additions in 2025, putting emissions on track for a full-year decline in 2025, the study said. The Ministry of Ecology and Environment did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside normal business hours. China, the world's biggest CO2 emitter, last reported an annual decline in carbon emissions in 2022, related to the Covid pandemic, and has targets for emissions to peak by 2030 and to reach net-zero emissions by 2060. Coal use in the power sector fell 3 per cent during January-June, although gas burned for electricity rose 6 per cent. Emissions also ticked down in building materials, metals, cement and steel because of China's weak property sector. However, unlike all other major sectors, carbon emissions from China's chemicals industry are still rising, the study said. The use of coal as an input for synthetic fuels and petrochemical products grew 20 per cent in the first half of the year. The growth in coal-to-chemicals has added 3 per cent to China's carbon emissions since 2020 and could add another 2 per cent by 2029, the analysis found. — REUTERS
Malay Mail
2 hours ago
- Malay Mail
AirBorneo unveils ‘Wings of Unity' logo as it readies for January 2026 take-off
KUCHING, Aug 21 — Sarawak-owned airline, AirBorneo, today unveiled its official logo, the 'Wings of Unity', marking a major milestone as it gears up to begin operations in January next year. The launch ceremony, officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, celebrated the airline's mission to strengthen Sarawak's connectivity with the wider region while embodying the state's unity and cultural heritage. Abang Johari hailed AirBorneo as a symbol of Sarawak's growing confidence on the global stage. 'AirBorneo will play a pivotal role in advancing the state's Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS 2030), through improved Asean air links, job creation, supporting SMEs, strengthening infrastructure and contributing to our economic growth targets,' he said. Carrying the tagline 'Borneo for You', AirBorneo positions itself as more than just an airline — aspiring to redefine purposeful travel, celebrate culture, and build stronger business and community ties across borders. State Secretary and AirBorneo Holdings Sdn Bhd chairman, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, echoed the sentiment, describing the logo as more than a corporate emblem. 'It is, in substance, a promise to connect Borneo to the world, and the world to Borneo, with authenticity, inclusiveness and purpose. 'The brand encapsulates the premier's vision of enhanced regional connectivity, economic growth, and cultural pride,' he said. AirBorneo will take over and expand services previously offered by MASwings, providing both full-service flights and essential Rural Air Services to Sarawak's remote communities. Its brand identity, inspired by Sarawak's colours and motifs, symbolises unity in diversity and pays tribute to the state's rich heritage. According to the airline in a statement, the 'Wings of Unity' design draws inspiration from Sarawak's natural environment — embodying freedom through the wind, progress through the river, and resilience through the deep roots of tradition. The event was also attended by Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, as well as other dignitaries. — The Borneo Post
