IDCA Delegation Meets with Malaysia's Sarawak Premier to Discuss Digital Hubs

Kuching, Malaysia – August 20, 2025 – IDCA Head of ASEAN Shahriman M. Sidek headed an IDCA delegation that met with Malaysia's Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg this week to discuss the steps required to build a sustainable and resilient Digital Economy ecosystem in the region. Sarawak is located in Eastern Malaysia on the island of Borneo. Its government is looking to create “robust infrastructure, including telecommunications towers, data centers, and international connectivity through fiber optics and submarine cables,” according to the Premier's office.

Malaysia has one of the most dynamic digitalized economies in Southeast Asia, with a strong ranking in the IDCA Digital Readiness Index and AI Index. It has particularly strong infrastructure in its capital city metro region around Kuala Lumpur and in Johor to the south, where it serves the greater Singapore area. But development is needed in its eastern provinces, including Sarawak.

“Malaysia's leaders have shown great leadership for a few decades now, starting with its Multimedia Super Corridor, now known as Malaysia Digital, and Cyberjaya science park in the Kuala Lumpur area,” said Shah Sidek in meeting with Premier Johari and other top officials. “Turning attention towards development in Sarawak reflects leadership in bringing the benefits of a thriving Digital Economy throughout the nation. IDCA stands ready to evaluate and strengthen Sarawak's development plans to ensure their new digital hubs are future-proofed.”

“Sarawak must not only establish digital hubs but also ensure a complete international network,” according to Premier Johari. Other Malaysian officials attending the discussion included Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Utilities and Telecommunications Datu Jafri Lias and Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) General Manager Dato Dr. Anderson Tiong Ing Heng.