Sarawak leads ASEAN’s AI and green evolution with purpose at IDECS25
- BT
- Oct 22
- 3 min read
KUCHING, 22 October 2025: The 8th International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak 2025 (IDECS25) officially opens today, bringing together over 10,000 policymakers, industry leaders, researchers and innovators from Malaysia and abroad under the theme ‘AI & Green Evolution: Growth, Challenges & Community Resilience.”
Hosted by the Sarawak Government and organised by the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) in collaboration with Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) and Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS) with the Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation as strategic partner, IDECS25 is taking place at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) from October 22 to 23, 2025.
IDECS25 serves as a platform for Sarawak to demonstrate how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and sustainability can work hand in hand to drive progress and inclusion, highlighting the state’s growing influence as one of Southeast Asia’s emerging leaders in the digital and green economy by bringing together over 10,000 delegates, 129 speakers, 204 exhibitions and 40 sponsors for 2 days of thought-provoking sessions, fireside chats, panel sessions and workshops.
“IDECS 2025 continues to feature a diverse range of sessions, each representing a pillar of Sarawak’s digital and green transformation, namely: ‘The Future’ (examining emerging technologies and evolving trends in sustainable energy and innovation), ‘Future Cities’ (exploring workforce transformation and the role of AI in shaping liveable, efficient, and low-carbon cities), ‘She-Tech Asia Forum’ (empowering women and underrepresented communities in the digital and innovation ecosystem), ‘Start-Up Village’ (a dynamic platform where founders, innovators, and enablers showcase scalable tech solutions addressing real-world sustainability challenges) and ‘Satellite Track - MTDC Road2Growth 2025’ (a half-day programme enabling Sarawakian entrepreneurs to leverage technology, funding, and partnerships for growth),” shared the State Secretary of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Abu Bakar bin Marzuki in his welcoming speech.
“What began as a Sarawak initiative has grown into a flagship platform that connects leaders, innovators, and thinkers from across the region. All driven by one purpose that is to shape a sustainable digital future,” he added. “Today, IDECS stands not only as a showcase of Sarawak’s achievements but also as a symbol of our commitment to global aspirations.”
Today’s launching was graced by the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, who emphasised in his launching speech that Sarawak’s pursuit of growth is guided by responsibility and humanity. “Our progress must be guided by wisdom as much as innovation. As we embrace the AI and green evolution, Sarawak’s challenge is not only to grow faster, but to grow responsibly and build technologies that strengthen communities, sustain the environment and uplift every Sarawakian.”
The Premier also noted that IDECS25 arrives at a decisive moment for the region, as technology and sustainability reshape the global economy. He reaffirmed Sarawak’s position as an active builder of this new economy, highlighting the state’s progress in connectivity, green transition, and human capital development.
IDECS25 continues Sarawak’s tradition of turning ideas into action. Among the key milestones announced this year are the launch of the Sarawak Pass, an AI-driven digital identity platform developed by Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) to provide secure access to state services supporting Sarawak’s goal of achieving a fully digital government by 2030.
In partnership with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Bioeconomy Corporation is also organising the National Bioeconomy Showcase 2025 (NBiOSHOWCASE) at IDECS25, presenting Malaysia’s latest innovations in biotechnology, circular economy, food security, and healthcare. The showcase highlights how AI and green technologies can reinforce one another to accelerate national sustainability goals.
A total of 12 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were exchanged between Sarawak agencies and international partners, spanning digital infrastructure, AI-driven solutions, next-generation networks, and bio-based innovation. Witnessed by the Premier, these signings reflect Sarawak’s commitment to building a future-ready economy powered by technology and environmental stewardship. Among them, SDEC formalised three strategic MOUs with Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia International (TELIN) and ITCO Niaga Sdn Bhd, and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).
For more information, visit idecs.com.my or email idecs@sdec.com.my. Follow @idecs25 on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram, and join the conversation using #IDECS25 #AI #GreenTech #DigitalEconomy.
