WCIT IDECS 2023 – Spearheading Sarawak’s Digital Economic Surge with RM660 Million Boost

KUCHING (October 4) – The 27th World Congress on Innovation and Technology 2023 and 6th International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak, known as WCIT | IDECS 2023, held in Kuching, is poised to make a significant economic impact of approximately RM660 million (US$145 million) on Sarawak’s thriving tech and startup ecosystem.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasized that this impact would be generated through various avenues, including Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions (MICE) tourism, and sponsorships.

“Sarawak has become an enticing destination for investment, business, and tourism. We aspire to be a favored hub for investors seeking a harmonious blend of business and leisure, with the overarching objective of uplifting the socioeconomic conditions of our people,” he stated during the inauguration of WCIT | IDECS 2023.

Abang Johari highlighted that Sarawak has made remarkable strides, with the World Bank recently recognizing it as a high-income state, boasting a revenue of RM11.96 billion in 2022.
He also expressed satisfaction with Sarawak’s pioneering effort in organizing the She-Tech Asia Forum as a prelude to WCIT | IDECS 2023. Abang Johari underscored the pivotal role of women in technology, asserting, “I hope to see more women represented in the tech industry. Women have numerous avenues to contribute to our digital plans for Sarawak, which offers a conducive business environment, and this potential must be further explored.”

State Secretary and Chairman of WCIT | IDECS 2023, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, lauded Abang Johari’s instrumental role in driving the inception of IDECS.

“When Premier Abang Johari assumed the role of Chief Minister in 2017, he envisioned a future where the digital economy would be the cornerstone of transforming Sarawak’s economy into one that is resilient and sustainable for the future. The birth of IDECS as a platform championing and advancing this vital agenda in 2017 was his brainchild, and since then, we have witnessed a series of strategic initiatives that have left an indelible mark on our history. We remain steadfast in our commitment to forge ahead, aiming to become a leading digital economy by 2030, with this aspiration propelling our journey,” he affirmed.

Notable figures in attendance included Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Sarawak Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, and Dato Sri Dr. Sim Kui Hian, as well as World Innovation and Technology Services Alliance (WITSA) Chairman Dr. Sean Seah.

-DG