14-07-2025
SMA Brings Digital Connectivity, Opportunities To Remote Long Busang Community
KAPIT, July 14 (Bernama) -- The Digital Programme organised by the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) in Long Busang, a remote settlement in the state, has opened a new chapter in the digital transformation of the Kenyah Badeng community in the Bukit Mabong district.
The two-day programme, held from July 9, attracted more than 200 residents of all ages and represents the latest effort by SMA to build on its initiatives since introducing telecommunications infrastructure to the area in 2019 - a move that has since reshaped the digital landscape of this once-marginalised community.
The programme was made possible through the collaboration of various agencies, including the Sarawak Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD), Sarawak Public Service Digitisation Unit (SCSDU), SiliconNet Technologies Sdn. Bhd (SNT), the State Library, Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), Sarawak Skills and a smart agriculturel entrepreneur, Cooplay Nyipa Aji.
SMA General Manager Datuk Dr Anderson Tiong Ing Heng said the agency hoped the telecommunications network would serve not merely as a platform for social media but as a catalyst for the community's active participation in the digital economy.
"This programme is designed to empower the community with digital knowledge and skills, encourage community participation in the digital economy and promote the Sarawak government's digital applications and services," he said at the closing of the programme last Thursday (July 10).
The text of Tiong's speech was read out by his deputy, Dr Suhaila Jaafar.
Tiong said the presence of SMA, along with other participating agencies, was not merely to introduce new ideas and technologies, but also to engage with the Long Busang community and better understand their needs and potential.
'This is crucial to ensure that every digital initiative we implement is truly beneficial and tailored to local needs,' he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Suhaila told reporters that the programme also served as a platform to assess the progress of the community in Long Busang since the 4G and Wi-Fi services were launched by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in 2019.
