Sarawak launches Sovereign AI Infrastructure Platform
- BT
- 11 hours ago
- 3 min read
KUCHING, 17 August 2026: Sarawak today marked a significant milestone in its digital transformation journey with the launch of its Sovereign AI Infrastructure Platform, a state governed high-performance computing environment designed to strengthen data sovereignty, enable secure AI adoption and support the growing demand for artificial intelligence across the state.
Officiated by Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, the launch reflects Sarawak’s continued commitment to building its own AI capabilities and establishing a secure, locally governed foundation for the development and adoption of artificial intelligence.
Operated by Sarawak Information Systems Sdn. Bhd. (SAINS) as its designated technical custodian, the Sarawak Sovereign AI Infrastructure Platform is hosted entirely within Sarawak secure local data centres. The platform provides access to high-performance computing power and locally hosted AI capabilities, enabling government agencies, statutory bodies, GLCs and strategic organisations to develop and deploy secure AI solutions while maintaining absolute data residency. By keeping sensitive data, AI models and critical workloads strictly within our digital borders, Sarawak ensures complete operational custody.
Under a unified Whole-of-Government approach, the State Civil Service Digitalisation Unit (SCSDU) will be spearheading the policy direction and coordination of the wider digital ecosystem, while SAINS will be implementing and operating the underlying technical and computing infrastructure.
As part of the launch, SAINS and Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) also formalised a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) to explore the application of AI and Generative AI in support of SEB’s initiatives. The MoC was exchanged by SAINS Chief Executive Officer, Busiai Seman, and SEB Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Haji Sharbini Suhaili, and witnessed by the Premier of Sarawak. The collaboration brings together SAINS’ AI capabilities and SEB’s utility-sector expertise, with a focus on responsible AI development, secure data management and practical AI applications within the energy sector.
The collaboration demonstrates how the Sarawak Sovereign AI Infrastructure Platform can serve as a foundation for practical AI adoption across strategic sectors. Beyond individual collaborations, the initiative is intended to support the development of a broader AI ecosystem in Sarawak by providing organisations with access to high-performance computing resources and locally governed AI capabilities. This will enable greater experimentation, development and deployment of AI applications while supporting Sarawak’s wider digital transformation agenda.
The establishment of the Sarawak Sovereign AI Infrastructure Platform also positions Sarawak to respond to the increasing demand for AI computing while maintaining greater control over its data, infrastructure and critical digital workloads. Through a state-governed approach, Sarawak is strengthening its capacity to adopt AI in a manner that is secure, responsible and aligned with the State’s long-term digital aspirations.
Today’s launching also saw a press conference for the upcoming Digital Government Exchange (DGX26), happening at voco Hotel Kuching on September 10, 2026. DGX26 is set to be a platform for government-industry collaboration, technology exchange and showcasing solutions that support digital government transformation. With key topics ranging from AI-ready digital ecosystems to human-centred digital government, DGX26 will be reinforcing Sarawak’s commitment to advancing digital government through innovation, trusted technology and collaboration, ensuring that digital transformation delivers meaningful outcomes for government, businesses and citizens.
Also present at today’s launching, Chairman of SAINS, Tan Sri Datuk Patinggi Dr. George Chan, Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development, Dato Sri Dr. Stephen Rundi Utom, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Transport, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Minister in the Premier’s Department, Dato Sri John Sikie anak Tayai, Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Dato Sri Haji Julaihi Haji Narawi, Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn and Sarawak State Secretary, Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Abu Bakar bin Marzuki.
