https://ukas.sarawak.gov.my/web/subpage/news_view/39873
BRISTOL: Sarawak is taking a more aggressive step to emerge as a regional data and artificial intelligence (AI)-based economic hub by leveraging the advantages of renewable energy and expanding strategic cooperation with the University of Bristol.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said the working visit to the United Kingdom (UK), particularly in Bristol, opens up a new dimension in the development of future industries involving AI, aerospace and high-performance computing capabilities.
"Earlier we had a discussion with the University of Bristol regarding several sectors in the aerospace industry and also the computing power available at the university in conducting research on the future of the AI and aerospace industries,” he said.
He said this when met by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) after the Sarawak Semiconductor engagement session jointly organised by SMD Semiconductor and the University of Bristol at the NCC, on Tuesday local time.
Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari stressed that the use of data as the basis of the new economy is no longer an option, but an inevitability.
"It is in line with our aspiration to utilise data as the sole basis in planning the new economy and in the discussion earlier, we see that in reality there is no choice but to move towards this future.
"We need to leverage the latest technology to strengthen capabilities and add value to existing resources through imaging and data technology,” he said.
In this regard, he said Sarawak through SMD Semiconductor will strengthen research collaboration, including in high-impact fields such as quantum AI and aerospace.
Meanwhile, the Sarawak Premier explained that the visit also provided exposure to the capabilities of large-scale supercomputers which form the foundation of modern data economy.
"Besides the discussion, we were taken to see a supercomputing facility because I have previously spoken about real-time data where we obtain strategic data.
“We were also given the opportunity to visit a supercomputing complex which houses 5,820 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) with high-performance servers.
"Here, they also use 3.5 megawatts per hour to operate about 5,000 GPUs used in the UK," he added.
Therefore, he said Sarawak's advantage, in terms of renewable energy, has the potential to be a major catalyst in offering more competitive operating costs compared to developed countries, thus opening up opportunities for the state to emerge as a regional research and data processing centre.
“Electricity tariffs here are relatively high, so if we collaborate with them, we can apply similar approaches in our state by leveraging our renewable energy strengths and our own tariff structure.
"If we can offer lower costs in terms of energy supply and cooling systems such as the use of recycled water-cooling systems, then we also have the potential to become a research centre in the region," he explained. -UKASnews
