Sarawak govt plans to set up Kuching Ai Data Campus in Tanjung Embang

 By Mohd Abdullah Lee

KUCHING, May 20 2026: The state government is planning to establish Kuching AI Data Campus in Tanjung Embang as a catalyst for Sarawak's future AI Grid ecosystem. 

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg says the state government's ambition is to position Sarawak as a leading player in the regional digital economy 

Premier Abang Johari Openg said a 405=hectare site has been identified, which will be equipped with dedicated energy and water supply to support data centre operations, AI computing and digital inter connectivity nodes.

“The project will be implemented through a public-private partnership (PPP) approach, beginning with an initial phase covering approximately 120 hectares,” he said in his winding up speech in the state legislative assembly (SLA) today.

The premier said he led a state-government delegation visiting the Isambard-AI Supercomputer— the United Kingdom's fastest and most powerful AI supercomputer, in Bristol.

He added the visit fortified state’s aspiration to develop sovereign AI compute infrastructure that can serve as the backbone of Sarawak's digital future.

“Our ambition is to position Sarawak as a leading player in the regional digital economy — a place where innovation is nurtured, where talent is valued, and where the benefits of the AI revolution are shared by all Sarawakians,” Abang Johari.

The premier also said that the Sarawak Aerospace Advisory Council (SAAC) has been established to provide strategic direction and comprehensive guidance in driving the establishment of Sarawak's aerospace sector, in line with current global industry standards.

He said the state government will also  establish the Sarawak Space Agency as the main coordinating entity with the role of planning, forging partnerships and developing local capabilities.

“We are also targeting the launch of Sarawak’s first nanosatellite by 2030, through CubeSat-based technology — which involves the use of small satellites for real-time data and earth observation,” he said.

He added Sarawak will have the capability to develop its own satellite system to obtain earth imagery, geolocation data and strategic information for planning, environmental monitoring and resource management.

“As Sarawak moves into its next level of advancement, it is imperative that we take bold steps to stay competitive,” he said, adding that the Sarawak Gas Roadmap is part of that effort.

Five alternative routes created to ease traffic congestion in Kota Samarahan

 By Mohd Abdullah Lee

KUCHING, May 20 2026: The state government has created five alternative routes to ease traffic congestion in Kota Samarahan, especially, especially around Taman Samarindah.

 

Caption:  Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan says the development in the Taman Samarindah area is based on the overall future land use planning and road net.

Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the alternative routes were created through the approval of land development in the Taman Samarindah, Taman Samarax, Taman Merbau and Taman Meranti areas.

He said the routes connect the areas involved to the Kuching Outer Ring Road (KORR) and Jalan Datuk Mohammad Musa, thus improving traffic access in and out of the area.

“In addition the development in the Taman Samarindah area is based on the overall future land use planning and road net,  work for the area,” he said in his winding up speech in the state legislative assembly (SLA) today.

He added that several other major infrastructure projects were also implemented to strengthen the communication system in the area, including the Jalan Datuk Mohammad Musa upgrade project and the construction of Jalan Samarahan–Bukit Berangan which has now been fully completed.

At the same time, Awang Tengah informed that the construction of the Sejingat Bridge currently being implemented is expected to be a new alternative route that will connect the Samarahan area to Demak Laut.

He also explained that the construction of the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) Blue Line from Rembus to Hikmah Exchange which is currently being implemented is among the government's long-term plans to comprehensively address the issue of traffic congestion in the Samarahan area.

"The initiative is part of the government's long-term approach in addressing the issue of traffic congestion in the Samarahan area in line with the rapid development of the area," he said

Sarawak govt establishes special committee for development of Rare Earth Elements

By CW Claire

KUCHING, May 20 2026: The state government has established  special committee for the development of Sarawak Rare Earth Elements (REE) Industry.

Caption: Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan says the  state government's efforts to develop high-impact industries based on REE, particularly in the fields of semiconductors and aerospace, explaining the reason for the establishment of the special committee.

Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the committee will be responsible for coordinating the study and assessment of the potential of REE resources in Sarawak.

“The framework for this study is expected to be finalized in July 2026,” he said in his winding up speech in the state legislative assembly (SLA) today.

He said in the state government's efforts to develop high-impact industries based on REE, particularly in the fields of semiconductors and aerospace, explaining the reason for the establishment of the special committee.

Awang Tengah also said Sarawak is leading a green economy based on sustainable forests.

He added Sarawak's forests are not just natural treasures, but are also the backbone of the state's economic prosperity, social inclusion and environmental sustainability.

“With a significant forest cover, Sarawak is in a unique position as a tropical region that still has a rich and relatively preserved forest ecosystem,” he said.

He said Sarawak has the potential to develop green energy through forest biomass waste as an environmentally friendly energy source.

“This waste-to-energy approach reduces waste and fire risk, supporting carbon neutrality in line with the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).

He added as of 1 May 1, 2026, a total of 10 forest carbon study permits have been approved, including one forest carbon license covering an area of 257,658 hectares.

“Sarawak's carbon trading initiative not only has the potential to generate a new economy, but also strengthens the region's international commitments under the Paris Agreement through efforts to reduce global carbon emissions and sustainably manage forests,” he said.