Sarawak is embedding artificial intelligence into public services under the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, launching a virtual government AI assistant named Dayang and establishing the Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre to steer policy and adoption.

Dayang, the AI chatbot on the Sarawak government website, is designed to assist citizens with inquiries about welfare, utilities, and other services.

Two years into the plan, Sarawak is building AI capacity in the public sector by creating SAIC to coordinate policy, adoption, and governance of AI initiatives.

Experts warn that AI deployment must prioritize competency, inclusive design, and accessibility to avoid misalignment with diverse user needs, especially in rural and underserved communities.

Experts urge a government-as-a-platform approach with interoperable data rails and inclusive design to prevent fragmentation and ensure equitable access for rural populations and people with disabilities.

Leaders emphasize inclusion and accessible interfaces to prevent widening the equity gap as AI literacy and usable tools are rolled out.

Public data center infrastructure is being expanded, with consideration given to local providers like IP ServerOne to store data domestically for data sovereignty, while engagement with SAIC remains exploratory.

The 2026 budget prioritizes digital transformation in tourism and agriculture, with about RM213 million allocated to modernize agriculture, support R&D, and enhance food security.

There is a push to accelerate private-sector AI adoption to build a knowledge-based economy, reduce reliance on government projects, and attract foreign investment, though concerns about cost, skills, and inclusivity persist.

Private-sector collaboration is viewed as essential to broaden AI adoption beyond government-led efforts and fuel economic growth.

The SAIC signals intent to catalyze AI in healthcare, agriculture, and education, supported by a national AI talent development initiative, but real impact depends on competency, inclusive design, and scalable local capability-building.

The AI Talent Development Initiative aims to build a capable AI workforce by 2030 to support SAIC and broader adoption.