Latest news with #SDEC
Borneo Post
01-08-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Science Castle Malaysia 2025 makes historic debut in Sarawak
Zamzaitul (third left) and others listen to a presentation by a student involved in the SCMY 2025 programme. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (Aug 1): The Science Castle Malaysia (SCMY) 2025 conference has officially made its long-awaited debut in Sarawak, opening a new chapter for youth-driven innovation and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in East Malaysia. Held at Makeramai Makerspace in Plaza Merdeka here, the event drew more than 500 secondary school students, teachers, government representatives, and corporate partners from across the country. At the officiating ceremony held at Waterfront Hotel yesterday, Sarawak Education Department deputy director (Student Development Sector) Zamzaitul Akmal Hisham Ahmad hailed the initiative as a vital platform in bridging the STEM education gap between East and West Malaysia. 'SCMY 2025 recognises the contributions of Sarawak's own students, who are playing an increasingly important role in our national science and technology ecosystem,' he said. 'In today's fast-paced world, science and technology are the cornerstone of progress. Whether we are addressing climate change, energy sustainability, or public health, science provides the solutions we need,' he said. Zamzaitul reaffirmed the department's full commitment to supporting young innovators across the state and welcomed increased collaboration with agencies and organisations to further strengthen STEM education in the region. The ceremony featured key partners, including Leave a Nest Group CEO Dr Yukihiro Maru; Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) CEO Datuk Sudarnoto Osman; and Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Berhad managing director Daisaku Wadami. The symbolic signing of the officiating board marked the formal launch of SCMY 2025. Organised by Leave a Nest Malaysia Sdn Bhd (LVNSMY) and co-organised by SDEC with Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Berhad as the main partner, SCMY 2025 represents a significant expansion of a national platform that began in 2017. Sarawak was chosen as the first host to reflect the value of inclusivity and to provide students from East Malaysia with an opportunity to showcase their innovations on equal footing with peers from Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 56 student teams presented their projects in three categories: poster presentation, oral presentation, and splash presentation. The diversity of formats allowed participants to present their findings using the medium best suited to their ideas and experience. Topics ranged from environmental sustainability, health and hygiene, to agricultural innovation, robotics, and food security. Apart from this, Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Berhad's continued collaboration with LVNSMY for SCMY 2025 highlights its mission of creating shared value through STEM education. The company has also implemented several school-based programmes focused on nutrition awareness, food innovation, and environmental responsibility. Activities include scientific seminars and 'Too Good to Waste' initiatives. Since its establishment in Malaysia in 2013, LVNSMY has played an active role in building science and technology ecosystems by bridging students, educators, industry partners, and researchers. As Science Castle Malaysia continues to grow in scale and impact, LVNSMY said it remains committed to deepening collaboration between students, educators, researchers, and industries. 'The platform not only gives visibility to student-led research but also empowers young people to realise their role in solving real-world challenges through science and technology.' debut lead Science Castle Malaysia STEM
Borneo Post
10-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
MCMC, SDEC ink deal to expand S'wak's rural connectivity under SMART600 Project
Sudarnoto (left) and Mohamad Salim show the signed agreement, as others look on. KUCHING (July 11): The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) have reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating inclusive digital connectivity in rural Sarawak through the SMART600 Project, a high-impact initiative aimed at transforming the state's rural digital landscape. This collaboration was formalised during a signing ceremony held at MCMC headquarters in Cyberjaya on Wednesday. Signing on behalf of MCMC was its chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din, while SDEC was represented by its chief executive officer Dato Sudarnoto Osman. Also present to witness the signing were SDEC chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Morshidi Abdul Ghani, along with MCMC and SDEC officials. The SMART600 Project is part of the government's broader efforts to strengthen rural access, and is expected to benefit rural communities in Sarawak by supporting their daily needs such as education, telehealth, digital economy activities, and communication. Under this initiative, a total of 600 new telecommunications towers will be built in two phases, with 300 towers per phase. These towers will provide high-quality 4G mobile services to over 1,000 remote locations, benefitting around 180,000 residents in areas such as Belaga, Marudi, Sungai Belawai, Kapit, and Sungai Encheremin, thereby bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas. To date, 587 towers have been completed, of which 431 have been activated or are 'on-air' using the advanced Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) technology. The remaining towers will be activated in stages. The project will also enhance access to high-speed Internet to support data-intensive applications, including artificial intelligence tools, video streaming, public services, and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. Users will have more choices with up to five Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) under the management of MCMC, and the Sarawak Rural Broadband Network (MySRBN) services operated by the Sarawak government, where all these services share infrastructure and spectrum through the MOCN arrangement. By strengthening rural connectivity, the SMART600 Project also realises the aspirations of the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030 to promote digital economic activities, uplift the socio-economic status of the people, and ensure that no one is left behind. The Sarawak government, through SDEC as the implementing agency, will fund the capital expenditure (CAPEX) for the tower construction. MCMC, representing the federal government, together with mobile network operators, namely CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile, and YTL Communications, will jointly cover the operational expenditure (OPEX). This joint financing model ensures the long-term sustainability of the towers in rural Sarawak, despite facing geographical and economic challenges. Internet MCMC rural connectivity sdec SMART600 Project
The Sun
09-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
MCMC and SDEC boost Sarawak digital connectivity with SMART600 project
PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) have formalised a partnership to accelerate digital connectivity in Sarawak through the SMART600 Project. The agreement, signed today, focuses on expanding 4G coverage in remote areas using the Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) Radio Access Network (RAN) Sharing model. Under the agreement, the Sarawak government, via SDEC, will fund the construction of new telecommunications towers, while MCMC and participating telcos—CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile, and YTL Communications—will cover operational costs. 'This joint financing model ensures that towers in Sarawak's remote areas can continue to operate despite geographical and economic challenges,' stated MCMC and SDEC in a joint release. The signing ceremony was witnessed by MCMC chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din and SDEC CEO Datuk Sudarnoto Osman at MCMC's headquarters. To date, 587 4G towers have been completed, with 431 already activated using MOCN technology. The remaining towers will be progressively brought online. The SMART600 project aims to construct 600 towers in two phases, delivering high-quality 4G services to over 1,000 rural locations. This initiative is expected to benefit around 180,000 residents in underserved communities. The project will enhance internet access for data-heavy applications such as AI, video streaming, and IoT, bridging the digital gap between urban and rural Sarawak. Key areas covered include Belaga, Marudi, Sungai Belawai, Kapit, and Sungai Encheremin. Telcos will share infrastructure and spectrum under MCMC and MySRBN supervision, ensuring efficient service delivery under the SMART600 initiative.
Borneo Post
09-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Julaihi: 603 SMART towers completed in Sarawak, 502 now 'on-air'
Julaihi (seated centre) flanked by Ugak (right) and Wan Murdani in a group photo with participants during the launch of the MD Business Digitalisation Initiative (BDI) @ Sarawak today. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (July 9): A total of 603 out of 618 Sarawak Multimedia Authority Rural Telecommunication (SMART) telecommunication towers have been completed across Sarawak, with 502 of them already activated or 'on-air', and 405 progressively equipped with advanced Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) technology. In disclosing this, Utility and Telecommunication Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said digital transformation requires a strong infrastructure foundation. 'Therefore, the Sarawak Government launched the Sarawak Linking Urban, Rural and Nation (Saluran) programme, which targets the construction of 600 4G telecommunication towers in rural and remote areas of Sarawak under the SMART project, managed by Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC). 'As of today, 603 out of 618 SMART towers have been completed, with 502 already activated or 'on-air', and 405 progressively equipped with advanced Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) technology. 'This MOCN technology allows major telecommunications companies such as CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile, YTL, and TM to provide their network services, enabling rural and remote communities to enjoy comprehensive coverage regardless of their chosen provider,' Julaihi said in his opening remarks at the MD Business Digitalisation Initiative (BDI) @ Sarawak held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today. He added that the introduction of the SMART towers was further strengthened by the rollout of the Sarawak Rural Broadband Network (MySRBN), launched in March 2021. 'MySRBN leverages Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technology to deliver high-speed internet to rural communities that previously had no connectivity. 'To date, around 32,000 homes across Sarawak have been connected to MySRBN, and this number is expected to continue rising;' he said. Julaihi emphasised that MySRBN has stimulated economic growth by opening up new opportunities for rural entrepreneurs to engage in online business. He also stressed that successful digitalisation efforts must go beyond infrastructure and funding. 'Real digitalisation happens when communities possess strong digital literacy and the confidence to use technology in their daily lives,' he said. The BDI @ Sarawak event, jointly organised by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (MINTRED), and SDEC, serves as a strategic platform to promote digitalisation, especially among micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Julaihi commended MDEC, MINTRED, SDEC, and all partners involved in the initiative, expressing hope that the programme would serve as a catalyst for further digital transformation across Sarawak. He underscored the importance of grassroots-level engagement and capacity building, pointing to training programmes conducted by SDEC based on community needs. 'Today's initiative is the beginning of a larger movement — one to ensure that every MSME in Sarawak is given equal opportunity to thrive in a fast-paced digital economy. 'Our goal is to create an inclusive, sustainable and competitive digital landscape — not just for today, but for future generations,' he added. Also present were Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) head of digital adoption Wan Murdani Wan Mohamad.
Borneo Post
16-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Malaysia's first Net Zero Centre of Excellence to open in Kuching
Sudarnoto (left) and Arun sign on the MoU. Among those witnessing the signing is Batu Kitang assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang (back second right). KUCHING (June 16): Malaysia's first Net Zero Centre of Excellence will be established here through a strategic partnership between Univers, a global leader in AI and IoT technology for energy, and Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC). Univers and SDEC issued a joint statement today announcing the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the strategic partnership. 'The new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy,' said the statement. Amongst others, the partnership will explore how digital tools can improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and drive operational excellence across Sarawak's key economic sectors. Additional joint efforts may include skills-building programmes and knowledge-sharing initiatives to nurture local talent and ideas. The statement also said the partnership will focus on three core areas namely Advisory and Enablement, Research and Development (R&D), and Innovation and Commercial Deployment. These include designing digital strategies and advisory services for businesses and public agencies, drawing on Univers' global experience in Net Zero and AI technologies. It will also involve establishing Open Labs, Testbeds, and Living Labs to drive research and co-create new intellectual property tailored to the region's needs. They will also be launching real-world net zero projects across key sectors, from energy to hospitality, using AI to unlock smarter, cleaner ways of operating. 'Sustainability is a journey built on data, collaboration, and action. We are bringing AI for Energy to the forefront — using intelligent systems to transition to a low-carbon economy and enable emerging regions like Sarawak to leapfrog toward a net zero future,' Univers global vice president Arun Poojari said in the statement. SDEC chief executive officer Datuk Sudarnoto Osman said the agreement also aligns with Sarawak's broader ambition to build a digitally driven and environmentally sustainable economy as outlined in the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030. 'At SDEC, we exist with a designer's mindset to connect people to opportunities, data to decisions, innovation to infrastructure. As a state-owned agency entrusted with more than just delivering digital projects, our mandate is to orchestrate a resilient, inclusive, and future-facing digital economy that fits the aspirations of all Sarawakians. 'Sarawak is not dipping its toes into AI. We are using it right now. This collaboration is a significant step towards shaping a future where digital solutions are embedded in the way we design and sustain our built environment,' he added.
