Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), the lead implementing agency for Sarawak Digital Economy initiatives, and Maxis, Malaysia’s leading integrated telco, have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore opportunities to drive digitalisation and talent development initiatives in Sarawak.

The collaboration was formalised through an MoU exchange held in the presence of YB Dato Sri Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi, Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak at the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak 2024 (IDECS 2024). SDEC was represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Dato Ir. Ts. Sudarnoto Osman, whilst Maxis was represented by Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Mariam Bevi Batcha.

SDEC and Maxis will jointly explore digitalisation opportunities in Sarawak through Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, including NarrowBand-IoT (NB-IoT) technology. As part of its talent development agenda, SDEC will also tap into Maxis’ expertise to cultivate technology knowledge and skills for Sarawak’s workforce, ensuring local talent are digitally equipped for tomorrow’s economy.

The collaboration is in line with the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, which sets out the Sarawak government’s ambition to grow its digital economy whilst fostering an inclusive and green digital society by 2030. 

Dato Ir. Ts. Sudarnoto Osman, Chief Executive Officer of SDEC said, “We look forward to collaborating with a like-minded partner in Maxis through our shared commitment to develop the right connectivity solutions and digital talent to meet the current and future needs of Sarawak. Together, we can explore innovative ways to drive the region’s digitalisation, strengthening Sarawak’s position as an emerging hub for cutting-edge technology. This is in line with our firm commitment to accelerating economic prosperity for all Sarawakians through digitalisation.”

Goh Seow Eng, Chief Executive Officer of Maxis, said, “Together with SDEC, we look forward to enhancing connectivity and technology talent development in Sarawak. This collaboration marks the latest milestone in our commitment to support Sarawak’s digital agenda. Last year, we were the first telco to set up a regional internet hub in Sarawak, enabling direct internet connectivity to international content. We will continue to expand on our commitment by investing into our fast, secure and reliable network, as well as exploring future-ready use cases powered by 5G.”

Maxis’ collaboration with SDEC is in line with its ongoing effort to promote 5G Smart City and industry solutions. These include trialling use cases to benefit local governments and property developments, and working with technology partners on joint 5G-Advanced innovation to benefit businesses and industries.

SDEC is committed to playing its part in realising Sarawak’s digital and connectivity ambitions through wide-ranging initiatives such as public-private partnerships, Centres of Excellence (CoE) and innovative research and development programmes. Earlier this year, SDEC entered into Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) service agreements with four Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), including Maxis, to enhance digital connectivity in rural Sarawak.

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