Latest news with #Sudarnoto
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
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.
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.
