Sarawak talent making waves in UK with groundbreaking AI chip
Abang Johari steps on the podium to officiate the Sarawak-level Workers' Day celebration. – Ukas Photo
KUCHING (May 19): Sarawakians are proving they have what it takes to compete on the global stage especially in high-tech sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI) and engineering.
One Sarawakian scientist is now leading a groundbreaking project in the United Kingdom to develop an AI-powered semiconductor chip capable of solving energy issues in under 10 seconds — a feat that has drawn praise even from the British government, according to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the young scientist is currently based at a government-owned laboratory in Cardiff, Wales, UK.
'I have personally visited this laboratory, and the British government is impressed by the abilities of our Sarawakian.
'Not only did this young scientist create an AI-powered chip, but this chip can also be used to generate energy,' he said during his speech at the Sarawak-level Workers' Day celebration at the Hikmah Exchange Convention Centre here yesterday.
The Premier said the scientist's achievement is a powerful example of what Sarawakians can achieve when given access to proper training and opportunities.
'I have informed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim about this and told him that as soon as our international intellectual property rights are secured, we want this innovation to be launched.
'I told him that this is something we want to launch because it is the creation of our own homegrown talent,' he said.
He also said that this achievement is in line with Sarawak's vision to become a high-income and technology-driven state, echoing the development path of several Nordic nations where high productivity is matched by efficient use of advanced technologies.
'We don't want an economy that incurs high costs but delivers low output.
'If technology can bring savings through efficiency and boost productivity, then offering higher salaries will not be a problem,' he said.
On a related matter, Abang Johari said the Sarawak government has always taken a cautious and meticulous approach when implementing or amending laws, including the Sarawak Labour Ordinance.
'In accordance with international labour standards under the International Labour Organisation (ILO), we have harmonised the Employment Act 1955 with the Sarawak Labour Ordinance.
'We need to examine the legal details thoroughly because we must ensure that Sarawak's interests are not compromised. The Sarawak Labour Ordinance is part of MA63 so we must be vigilant in safeguarding the rights of Sarawakian workers under our own labour ordinance,' he said.
He pointed out that if the state were to simply hand everything over, it could lead to the erosion of Sarawak's rights.
'That is why we in the government are cautious so that our rights are protected.
'I do not want a situation where one day people are saying that Abang Jo just gave it all away,' he said.
After more than 20 years, the amended Sarawak Labour Ordinance finally came into force on May 1, allowing workers in Sarawak to have access to the same benefits as their counterparts in Peninsular Malaysia.
Among the key changes in force include a seven-day paternity leave for male employees, an extension of maternity leave from 60 to 98 days, maximum weekly working hours reduced from 48 to 45 hours to ensure the better wellbeing and productivity of employees as well as enabling contract workers to benefit from stronger protections including fairer contract periods and access to employment benefits equivalent to permanent employees. Abang Johari Tun Openg artificial intelligence engineering
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