Sarawak’s push towards a digitally connected society continues to gather pace, with initiatives across infrastructure, education, and industry marking major progress. The collaboration between ZTE Malaysia and Sacofa exemplifies this drive, combining advanced AI and cloud-based network solutions to strengthen Sarawak’s digital foundation. Through this partnership, Sarawak aims to build a sustainable and intelligent digital ecosystem, positioning itself as a hub for next-generation technologies beyond 5G and IoT.
Expanding Rural Connectivity
The Sarawak government, through the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), has launched initiatives such as MySRBN and the SMART600 Project to address connectivity challenges in rural communities. These efforts have resulted in over 490 broadband sites and nearly 20,000 rural premises being connected, with more than 600 new telecommunication towers planned to support 4G coverage across remote areas. Satellite technologies like Measat’s CONNECTme further narrow the digital divide, providing vital access for over 2,000 rural sites, enabling e-learning, healthcare access, and e-commerce growth.
Technological Empowerment through Education
Education remains central to Sarawak’s digital economy blueprint. Over 774 ICT and digital training programmes have been rolled out, benefiting 8,011 teachers under the “Guru Peneraju Generasi Digital” initiative. This effort builds a generation of educators capable of integrating digital tools into classrooms, ensuring that Sarawak’s students are future-ready. These training programmes reflect the state’s emphasis on human capital development alongside infrastructure improvements.
Sustainable Investments in a Digital Economy
Sarawak’s Premier’s Office reported an investment exceeding RM3.5 billion over five years to build the state’s digital infrastructure through agencies such as SDEC, Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA), and CENTEXS. This investment has supported public-private partnerships like those between ZTE, Sacofa, and Huawei Malaysia, advancing Industry 4.0 adoption while ensuring environmentally sustainable network growth. The emphasis on green and energy-efficient technologies aligns with Sarawak’s vision of becoming a leader in the green digital economy.
AI and Satellite Integration
Sarawak is also preparing for an era of AI integration and satellite innovation, with projects focusing on smart cities, autonomous systems, and intelligent transport networks. These developments highlight how technology is being embedded into the daily fabric of Sarawak’s society — from logistics and governance to communication and education. The partnership between technology leaders and local agencies ensures that AI-powered systems will not only improve efficiency but also drive long-term socioeconomic growth.
Progress Measured in Connectivity
According to Borneo Bulletin (2025), Sarawak’s internet access rate surged from 73.67% in 2020 to 91.93% by mid-2025, underscoring the tangible outcomes of ongoing investments and rural connectivity projects. This milestone demonstrates how coordinated efforts between government agencies, global tech firms, and local communities can create inclusive growth.
| Indicator | 2020 | 2025 (Latest) |
| Internet access coverage | 73.67% | 91.93% |
| Connected rural premises | – | 19,668 |
| ICT training programmes | – | 774 |
| Teachers trained | – | 8,011 |
| Total investment | – | RM3.5 billion |
Table 1 showcases the key statistics highlighting Sarawak’s digital transformation milestones (2020–2025)
Sarawak’s digital evolution demonstrates how strategic partnerships and inclusive policies can transform communities. With continued investment in AI-driven infrastructure, teacher training, and rural connectivity, the state is bridging gaps and building a sustainable digital future. The results reflect a growing alignment between innovation, education, and inclusivity — ensuring technology becomes a tool of empowerment for all Sarawakians.
References
- https://www.thestar.com.my/starpicks/2025/10/23/zte-sacofa-join-forces-to-drive-sarawaks-digital-leap
- https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/02/22/sarawak-prepares-for-ai-and-satellite-tech-era
- https://borneobulletin.com.bn/internet-access-expands-across-sarawak/
- https://premierdept.sarawak.gov.my/web/subpage/news_view/17978/UKAS
- https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/07/15/education-ministry-says-sarawak-teachers-get-tech-savvy-774-digital-and-ict-related-programmes-implemented-in-state-as-of-june/143753
- https://www.theborneopost.com/2025/08/25/satellite-tech-narrows-gap-across-sarawak/
- https://www.theborneopost.com/2025/07/11/mcmc-sdec-ink-deal-to-expand-swaks-rural-connectivity-under-smart600-project/
- https://sdec.com.my/web/2024/07/11/minister-announces-enhanced-mysrbn-service-for-rural-community/
- https://www.telecomreviewasia.com/news/featured-articles/4710-malaysia-s-push-for-rural-connectivity/
- https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/04/idle-broadband-infrastructure-in-rural-areas-reports-a-g
- https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/malaysia-reinstates-cabotage-waiver-foreign-ships-undersea-cable-repair-2024-03-01/
- https://www.huawei.com/en/media-center/our-value/2024/digital-sarawak
- https://www.digital-nasional.com.my/comprehensive-internet-access-throughout-sarawak-2024-says-annuar-musa
- https://www.theborneopost.com/2025/02/20/sdec-strengthens-sarawaks-digital-connectivity-through-public-private-partnerships/
- https://premierdept.sarawak.gov.my/web/subpage/news_view/7979/UKAS
