Sarawak’s Digital Transformation, Smart 600 Project and AI Ambitions

Why It Matters

The combined connectivity and AI push could accelerate digital inclusion and economic opportunities in rural Sarawak while positioning the state as an ASEAN AI hub, attracting investment and reshaping key industries. This strategy signals how regional governments can pair broadband expansion with AI infrastructure to drive inclusive growth.

Summary

Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation says its Smart 600 project has delivered 600 communication towers that now connect over 1,000 previously underserved locations and about 180,000 residents, enabling remote education and e‑commerce. The state credits a long‑standing technology partnership with Huawei for advancing its rollout and service delivery. Sarawak is simultaneously investing in large‑scale AI infrastructure — including green data centers with about 200 MW capacity, a global AI centre and an LLM lab — and aims to be a premier AI state by 2027. The plan targets sectoral transformation in healthcare and agriculture and the cultivation of local AI talent through a centre of technology excellence.

Original Description

Tan Sri Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Morshidi, Chairman of Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), outlines the progress of Sarawak’s Smart 600 project, which has delivered connectivity to over 1,000 underserved locations and 180,000 residents. He highlights the cooperation with Huawei since 2017, which has supported Sarawak’s digital economy initiatives. Looking ahead, SDEC aims to make Sarawak a premier AI state by 2027, with new datacentres and AI hubs supporting sectors such as healthcare and agriculture. The interview covers the socio-economic impact of digital infrastructure, education, and the state’s ambitions for AI adoption.

Recorded March 2026

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