Latest news with #DeepSAR
Borneo Post
02-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Singapore AI leader praises Sarawak's visionary digital push
Soh expresses admiration for Sarawak's digital and technological initiatives – particularly the development of its own AI model known as DeepSAR, designed to suit the state's unique digital landscape and resources. – Photo by Jude Toyat KUCHING (July 2): Sarawak and Singapore can strengthen bilateral ties through collaborative youth initiatives and a shared vision in artificial intelligence (AI) and innovation, said AI Visionary Society Singapore Founder and CEO, Soh Wan Wei. Speaking to reporters after delivering her talk titled 'Generative AI in Media: Balancing Innovation & Responsibility' at the Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2025 here today, Soh highlighted ongoing efforts to build partnerships between the two regions. 'I also run a ground-up initiative called AIGents of Change in Singapore, and we have been working very closely with the Singapore Global Network. 'The sole mission of the Singapore Global Network is to strengthen friendships between Singapore and forward-looking, visionary regions like Sarawak,' she told The Borneo Post . Soh, who has a background in corporate communications and over eight years of background as a global keynote speaker in AI, media, and blockchain, also expressed admiration for Sarawak's digital and technological initiatives – particularly the development of its own AI model known as DeepSAR (DeepSarawak), designed to suit the state's unique digital landscape and resources. 'I think DeepSAR is very mind-blowing to me. 'How would a leader even think of DeepSAR? That process of thinking is so inspiring. Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg must have such insight and conviction that Sarawakians can do it – that we can succeed on the global stage,' she said. Soh said she hopes to tap into her current collaborations with the Singapore Global Network to build closer ties with Sarawak's youth and community. 'I wish to leverage my working relationship with the Singapore Global Network to strengthen engagement with young people in Sarawak, as well as the broader community. 'I believe Sarawak is a visionary society, and I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to visit,' she added. She also shared a personal connection to Sarawak from her school days. 'When we were 11 or 12 years old, Sarawak and Sabah were always mentioned in our social studies books – about the formation of Malaysia, and how Sarawak, Singapore, and Sabah came together to form the country,' she recalled. Reflecting on the potential for deeper cross-border collaboration, Soh expressed optimism that partnerships can be explored further. 'The Premier has clearly outlined Sarawak's vision, and I hope the relationship with Singapore will support and strengthen that direction,' she said. AI artificial intelligence Singapore Soh Wan Wei
New Straits Times
26-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sarawak aims to produce 500 semiconductor engineers by 2030
KUCHING: Sarawak aims to produce 500 semiconductor engineers by 2030, state Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said today. He said state-owned Microelectronics Design (SMD) is running upskilling and reskilling programmes to achieve the target. "One key programme is the semiconductor mastery programme, developed in partnership with Melexis Malaysia and Centre of Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS)." He said this in his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly here. He said 28 trainees had completed a six-month training programme and were hired by SMD, Melexis, and X-FAB Sarawak at the Samajaya Hi-Tech Park. To strengthen Sarawak's presence in the global semiconductor industry, SMD has established an R&D innovation hub in Newport, Wales, in collaboration with CSA Catapult. "This move gives us access to world-class research facilities, top-tier talent and key industry partners. "A highlight this year is the development of an Edge AI-power converter we soft-launched in Newport, witnessed by Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg. Sagah said that the prototype is a breakthrough for smart grids, electrical vehicles and industrial systems using AI for real-time power management and energy efficiency. He said that the Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre is central to the state's vision of achieving AI sovereignty. "This will be realised through the establishment of a trusted AI infrastructure, the development of domestic AI and domain expertise, the protection of Sarawak's data ownership, and the deployment of AI solutions that enhance governance, public service delivery, and AI security." He said the centre is leading the development of the Sarawak AI Roadmap, a blueprint to guide efforts in building an inclusive and future-ready AI ecosystem. He added that, as part of this initiative, the centre is co-developing Sarawak's AI strategy and policy framework with government policymakers to ensure alignment with the state's digital agenda. "At the same time, the centre will work with stakeholders and industry partners to design a strategy for AI talent development.' This, he said, will include training, upskilling and capacity-building efforts aimed at equipping Sarawakians with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy. He said the centre will embark on artificial intelligence research and development, in partnership with research institutions and institutions of higher learning. He said that these efforts will position Sarawak at the forefront of technological innovation and knowledge creation. "One of the key focus areas under the AI Roadmap is the development of DeepSAR, a specialised AI platform co- developed with stakeholders from the biodiversity sector and other industries. "DeepSAR will support advanced research and data-driven solutions that leverage Sarawak's natural heritage and sectoral expertise."
