Latest news with #CentreforTechnologyExcellenceSarawak
The Star
19-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Free full- time higher education for Sarawakians
KUCHING: Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has announced that the state government will offer free full-time higher education to Sarawakians, including those currently employed but who have not had the opportunity to pursue further studies. Speaking at the state-level Labour Day celebration, he called on Sarawak natives to seize the opportunity to become undergraduate students and enhance their skills and knowledge of the latest technologies. 'You only need to be interested in studying to upskill. Anyone already working and holding a diploma can return to campus as a mature student. 'Learning is a lifelong process, especially as technology continues to evolve,' he said, Bernama reported. Abang Johari said this initiative aims to develop Sarawak's human capital through higher education and skills training. He emphasised that the free education offer applies only to full-time study and is fully supported by the state government. Starting next year, Sarawak will fund free education for 64 selected courses at state-owned institutions, including i-CATS University College, the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak, University of Technology Sarawak, Curtin University Malaysia, and Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus.
Barnama
28-04-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Bernama Organises AI Training For Media Practitioners In S'wak
GENERAL KUCHING, April 28 (Bernama) – The Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) is organising a two-day training programme, AI For Journalism: Transcription & Smart Tools, beginning today. The artificial intelligence (AI) technology training programme, held at the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS), involves the participation of 30 media practitioners from various agencies in Sarawak. The programme's instructor, Muhammad Hafiz Abdul Majid, said one of the main objectives of the training was to expedite the transcription process and fact-checking through AI technology. 'We understand that among the tasks of journalists is transcribing audio or video from speeches and press conferences, as well as cross-checking the accuracy of certain facts. 'Through this training, we teach how to use AI to solve their problems. If previously it took up to an hour to transcribe, now with AI, it can be done in just 10 or five minutes,' he told Bernama. Elaborating further, Muhammad Hafiz said every media organisation must train its staff to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. 'When AI technology was first introduced, many claimed that AI would replace human jobs. However, I disagree, because if used correctly, AI can enhance our capabilities, including productivity,' he said. The Bernama Centre of Excellence is coordinating the AI for media course under the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2025 allocation. A similar training programme will be held in Sabah on May 6 and 7.
Borneo Post
27-04-2025
- Borneo Post
Minister: Show no compromise against cyber threats
Julaihi (second right) fields questions from the press. — Photo by Matthew Umpang KUCHING (April 27): The Sarawak government and federal authorities should adopt an uncompromising stance in responding to cyber attacks, said Utility and Telecommunications Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi. He said effective enforcement was crucial in deterring future cyber threats, and there was a need for enforcement agencies to stay vigilant and adamant in curbing cyber crimes. 'We must be firm and ensure that any attempts to disrupt or threaten our technology usage are dealt with seriously. 'Our regulations are already in place. It is now a matter of enforcement and vigilance on the part of all parties, including individuals and the community, to remain cautious of cyber threats,' he told reporters when met after launching the 'MCMC-Microsoft AI Tech Skills for AI-enabled Economy' programme at the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (Centexs) here today. He added the state government would continue taking proactive steps in addressing the ever-evolving threat of cyber attacks. 'As technological developments are dynamic, we must keep pace with these changes. Related agencies must take appropriate measures to curb challenges that could disrupt the harmony of our digital environment,' he said. Meanwhile, Julaihi also encouraged the sharing of knowledge and expertise among stakeholders to strengthen defences against cyber threats. 'Knowledge is dynamic, and we should be open to sharing useful information and best technologies available to prevent cyber attacks. It is important that we continuously adapt to the latest developments.' Among those present were Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication deputy permanent secretary Syed Mohamad Fauzi Shahab, Centexs chief executive officer Dato Syeed Mohd Hussien Wan Abdul Rahman, Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation chief executive officer Dato Sudarnoto Osman and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Kuching Branch director Scott Kueh Sui Yek. Also in attendance were Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre chief executive officer Professor Dr Patrick Then, Sarawak Multimedia Authority deputy general manager Dr Suhaila Jaffar, Social Security Organisation Sarawak deputy director Farinah Japar and Biji-biji Initiative chief executive officer Rashvin Pal Singh. cyber crimes cyber security cyber threats Datuk Julaihi Narawi
Borneo Post
27-04-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Julaihi urges Sarawakians to embrace AI responsibly for sustainable future
Julaihi speaking during the event at Centexs today. KUCHING (April 27): Sarawakians must embrace artificial intelligence (AI) with responsibility and ethical awareness to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future, said Utility and Telecommunication Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi. Julaihi stated that while AI offers vast potential to drive Sarawak's economic growth, there are also risks involved if the technology is not handled carefully. 'AI can easily be abused for malicious purposes, such as deepfakes or voice cloning to deceive or blackmail people,' he said at the launch of the MCMC-Microsoft AI Tech Skills for AI-enabled Economy programme at the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (Centexs) in Santubong here today. Given these concerns, Julaihi said the state government fully supports the country's recently launched Artificial Intelligence Governance and Ethics (AIGE) guidelines, describing them as a timely initiative to ensure AI is developed and used in a manner that respects human rights, protects privacy, and upholds public safety. He emphasised that responsible adoption of AI is crucial for Sarawak's vision under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which aims to transform Sarawak into a high-income state by the end of this decade. 'Sarawak is on the right track. We have the leadership and the vision, but it is important that the benefits of progress are felt by all levels of society, including those in rural areas,' he said. Julaihi cited initiatives such as the Sarawak Rural Broadband Network (MySRBN) and the construction of 636 new telecommunication towers under the National Information Dissemination Centre (Nadi) project as key efforts in bridging the digital divide, providing better internet access to rural communities, and enabling them to participate in the digital economy. 'Our rural communities have the talent and the ambition. They just need the infrastructure to unlock their potential,' he said. He noted that Sarawak's strategic efforts to improve connectivity — such as the coastal highway network, new bridges, and improved utilities — are laying a strong foundation for a digitally connected future. On the other hand, the MCMC-Microsoft initiative, he added, will empower Sarawakians with knowledge of AI and its applications while promoting ethical and safe technology usage. To date, the programme has trained over 2,000 participants across the country, with AI governance and ethics as a key focus. 'Sarawak is ready for the future. Let us use AI responsibly, ensure inclusivity, and innovate for the benefit of all Sarawakians,' he said. Also present were Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication deputy permanent secretary Syed Mohamad Fauzi Shahab, Centexs chief executive officer Dato Syeed Mohd Hussien Wan Abdul Rahman, Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) chief executive officer Dato Sudarnoto Osman and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Kuching Branch director Scott Kueh Sui Yek. Others in attendance included Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre chief executive officer Prof Dr Patrick Then, Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) deputy general manager Dr Suhaila Jaffar, Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) Sarawak deputy director Farinah Japar and Biji-biji Initiative chief executive officer Rashvin Pal Singh.
