Latest news with #JelajahMalaysiaDigital
Borneo Post
16-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak's KETEQ.AI chip awaits global IP as world's first AI-based power converter
Abang Johari (left) and Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo (second left) present a Digital Content Grant to a recipient while The Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (Tegas) chairman Datuk Len Talif Salleh (right) looks on. – Information Department photo KUCHING (May 16): The nano chip, developed by Sarawakian innovators, is currently awaiting international intellectual property (IP) registration as the world's first artificial intelligence (AI)-powered power conversion device. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg revealed that the chip, developed by local firm Sarawak Microelectronics Design (SMD) Semiconductor, is capable of executing real-time AI functions within just a tenth of a second. 'We are waiting for the international IP registration, and that will be the first in the world,' he said during the Jelajah Malaysia Digital event at Tegas Digital Village here today. Abang Johari also shared that he had briefed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on the breakthrough and hoped the Prime Minister would officially launch the chip after its IP registration. 'I told the Prime Minister that once the registration is confirmed, I want him to see it and officially launch it,' he said. Drawing a comparison with global tech giants, he added: 'You know, it is like Nvidia. Nvidia does not produce chips, they just design them. 'And this is what we design. If that is the way, I tell you, it is global,' he said. Abang Johari further disclosed that the chip was developed in a lab in Cardiff, Wales, with support from the British government. He noted that prominent multinational companies such as General Electric and Siemens are involved in related research efforts at the facility. abang johari AI chip KETEQ AI Kuching power converter world's first
Borneo Post
16-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Abg Jo: S'wak exploring use of venture capital to back local films, creative projects
Abang Johari delivers his speech during the launch of JMD at Tegas Digital Village. – Penerangan photo KUCHING (May 16): The Sarawak government is exploring the use of venture capital to support viable local creative projects, including films and digital content, said the Premier. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the government may, through its agency, take equity in projects with market potential to help develop the film industry using digitalisation and content. 'If you create something, film or so on, we are looking into what we call venture capital. You can form a company if your project is viable,' he said during the launch of Jelajah Malaysia Digital (JMD) at Tegas Digital Village here today. 'If your content has a market, maybe somebody else will take equity together with you, just like any film. We have also set aside our venture capital within our budget.' He pointed out the Sarawak government has invested RM3.5 billion over the past five years to advance digital transformation, positioning the state firmly to meet future economic challenges. He explained the annual investment of about RM600 million was funded through the state's own revenue and represents a long-term commitment expected to yield significant returns for the people in the future. 'Digitalisation means we must digitise the whole spectrum of our economy,' he said. To drive Sarawak's digital transformation agenda, Abang Johari said the state government established various agencies such as the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA), the Centre of Technical Excellence Sarawak (Centexs), and the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC). 'At the same time, we are also enhancing various basic infrastructures to support a more comprehensive digital ecosystem, so that we remain at the forefront in the digital economy era,' he said. Recalling his discussions with experts from the London School of Economics (LSE), Abang Johari said Sarawak was commended for being fortunate to possess both capital and natural assets which are resources that must be fully leveraged. 'However, capital alone is not enough. We also need to develop quality human capital with high-level skills to add value to our wealth of resources and generate economic impact. 'This is where digitalisation becomes crucial to enhance processes and add value to our natural assets. We need technology to transform those resources into something of worth. 'That is also why Sarawak has established Tegas Innovation Hubs in several strategic locations, including Sibu, Miri, Sarikei, and Bintulu,' he said. He explained the innovation hubs serve as platforms for young people to innovate and create content and digital solutions, including in areas such as virtual reality and digital living. 'I am proud to see many of our youth being creative and capable of producing content that adds value. 'This proves that Sarawak is not only rich in natural resources, but also in talent and creativity. 'This is part of the process of creating second and third layers of value, the concept of a 'second life' often referred to in the digital economy,' he added. abang johari creative projects lead Venture Capital
Borneo Post
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Sarawak to tie up with Digital Ministry on hosting global-scale digital exhibition
Abang Johari (centre) launches JMD at Tegas Digital Village. Also seen from right are Len Talif, Gobind, and Ugak. – Penerangan photo KUCHING (May 16): Sarawak is looking forward to collaborating with the Digital Ministry on hosting a global-scale digital exhibition in the state. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg hinted that the event next year will involve contributions from both the Sarawak and federal governments. 'We will then invite major global players to come here to share their input and expertise, enabling you to enhance your creativity, improve your content, and establish a global network. 'What is important is establishing a global network, as the global economy now is under one platform,' Abang Johari said when launching Jelajah Malaysia Digital (JMD) at Tegas Digital Village here today. He also revealed that a new project will be launched, though details remain under wraps for now. He said the initiative will contribute to the development of the entire spectrum of Sarawak's digital economy. Separately, Minister of Digital Gobind Singh Deo said he proposed holding the global event in Sarawak to bring major industry players from around the world to Malaysia. 'I think it's important for them to see our efforts and how we can work together. 'I mentioned on stage that we should look into the possibility of hosting a global event here in Malaysia, and I am happy to note that the Premier has accepted the invitation,' he said. Gobind said the proposed event, likely to take place in early 2026, aims to attract global players in the animation and gaming industries. 'If they come here, we will see new possibilities and opportunities for our local sector to collaborate with international players and showcase our products on the global stage. 'In fact, if you go to international events, you'll find many Malaysians already participating and gaining recognition, especially in animation and gaming,' he told reporters. Gobind said this is the right time to escalate efforts and position Malaysia as a hub for the industry, and expressed hope that the upcoming event would mark a step in that direction. Earlier in his speech, Gobind said Sarawak has the potential to become Malaysia's creative digital content hub, as well as a key player in the Asean region. He noted that Sarawak's tourism sector also showed encouraging signs, recording 3.92 million visitors in 2023 and contributing over RM10 billion to the national economy. 'With this potential, digital content can serve as a bridge connecting Sarawak's heritage, culture, and identity to the global audience. 'This not only expands our reach, but also focuses on how we can elevate the value and uniqueness of the state,' he said. Among those present were Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh, who is Tegas chairman, as well as Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong. abang johari digital ministry Gobind Singh Deo
Borneo Post
14-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Digital Ministry aims to boost Malaysia's creative industry into regional powerhouse
Ugak (centre) receives a memento from Sudarnoto while Snowdan (second left) and others look on. — Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (May 14): The Digital Ministry is committed to accelerating the growth of Malaysia's creative content industry, said its Deputy Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong. He said the ministry aims to empower local creators, strengthen the digital ecosystem, and position Malaysia as a regional powerhouse in digital content. 'Through strategic initiatives such as the Creative Content Fund grants, we are supporting the development and production of high-quality, market-ready content. 'The Digital Ministry, through the Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), is also investing in structured programmes that offer training, mentorship, and industry matching, ensuring our local talents are equipped with the skills and guidance they need to succeed,' he said when officiating at the opening of 'Kre8tif! East 2025' at Makeramai Makerspace here today. Ugak said that the ministry is also committed to expanding market access, providing platforms for local content creators to reach regional and international audiences. He said these efforts are in line with Malaysia's ambition to become a digital content hub, with the creative sector projected to contribute over RM31.9 billion to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2025. Meanwhile, Ugak noted that the ministry had, in 2024, conducted the 'Jelajah Malaysia Digital' (JMD) programme across Sarawak to uplift digital skills among underserved communities, including the B40 group, youth, small business owners, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and others. 'This Friday, the Jelajah Malaysia Digital programme will take place in Sarawak, with Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo expected to attend. JMD plays a critical role in further showcasing the rapid growth and strength of Sarawak's digital economy,' he said. Ugak also announced that MDEC will host the Asean Digital Content Summit 2025 this September at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre, alongside the Kre8tif Business Xchange. 'This summit will gather government agencies, industry leaders, academia and the public to foster deeper collaboration and accelerate the development of Asean's digital creative industry. 'This initiative positions Malaysia, and especially our talents from Borneo, at the heart of regional growth,' he said. According to a statement, the two-day Kre8tif! East 2025 event features global industry leaders and experts, offering Sarawak's creative community valuable insights, idea-sharing, and collaboration opportunities. The programme, organised by MDEC and Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), includes panel discussions, exhibitions, and strategic networking sessions aimed at fostering growth in the digital creative space. Among the event's key speakers were representatives from Les' Copaque Production, Streamline Studios, Warner Bros. Discovery, Toon2Tango, Polygon Pictures, Ventura Interactive, Scenic, and Algoin Tech. A major highlight was the announcement of a new partnership between Les' Copaque Production and Streamline Studios to develop the Upin & Ipin Universe – an ambitious transmedia project encompassing games, animation, and immersive digital experiences. The initiative marks a bold step toward globalising one of Malaysia's most beloved intellectual properties. A memorandum of understanding was also signed between MDEC and MYTV Broadcasting Malaysia, establishing a national platform to showcase local animation content to wider audiences. Also present were Sarawak Deputy Minister of Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan and SDEC chief executive officer Dato Sudarnoto Osman.
