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The Sabah government is actively seeking collaboration between government agencies and government-linked companies (GLCs) to propel the state’s digital economy and telecommunications technology sectors. This push aligns with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Roadmap, which aims to elevate Sabah and Malaysia to high-income status by 2030 through digital innovation and investment.
Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif, the State Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister, underscored the necessity of such partnerships in transforming the region. According to Mohd Arifin, engaging government agencies and GLCs is crucial for implementing a range of smart initiatives.
These include developing smart cities, enhancing rural connections, establishing smart campuses, promoting smart agriculture, advancing smart education, and building smart infrastructure. Such strategic collaborations are envisioned as key to driving innovation and attracting significant investments to the state.
A noteworthy initiative under this digital transformation agenda is the launch of the Sabah Education Sponsorship Portal. This new platform centralises all major education sponsors in Sabah, facilitating streamlined support for students, especially those pursuing higher education. The portal is part of the SMJ’s broader effort to enhance educational support and improve the quality of life for Sabah-born students.
By consolidating sponsorships, the state government aims to provide more accessible and effective assistance to learners, which is expected to have a positive impact on their academic and professional futures.
Furthermore, Mohd Arifin highlighted the state government’s commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Education and the Sabah Education Department. This collaboration focuses on advancing educational excellence and quality across the state. Efforts include upgrading educational infrastructure to ensure that it meets modern standards and supports the development of skilled, competitive human capital.
The state government’s initiatives reflect a comprehensive approach to fostering digital innovation and improving educational opportunities. By prioritising strategic partnerships and enhancing digital infrastructure, Sabah aims to create a robust foundation for economic growth and technological advancement.
The emphasis on education as a catalyst for improving quality of life further supports the state’s vision of leveraging digital transformation to achieve long-term prosperity and development.
Sabah is set to become a technological hub, with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor stressing the state’s commitment to innovation and digital integration. The government is focused on creating a supportive environment for SMEs, promoting digital transformation, and attracting both domestic and foreign investments. Efforts include exploring new economic resources like the Blue Economy and implementing initiatives to foster a culture of innovation and enhance the skills of the workforce.
The Malaysian Technology Development Corporation’s Road to Growth (R2G) Sabah edition and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation’s Local R&D Products and Services Utilisation Programme (MySTI) are key components of Sabah’s strategy. These programmes aim to boost local industries, stimulate economic growth, and ensure that universities, research institutions, and entrepreneurs leverage new opportunities for technological advancement and innovation.
The Sabah Maju Jaya roadmap, outlined by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor, is a comprehensive development framework integrating various sectoral plans. The roadmap’s initial phase, Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan 1.0 (2021-2025), focuses on agriculture, industry, tourism, human capital, well-being, and infrastructure while aligning with the national Shared Prosperity Vision 2030.
Key areas of emphasis include enhancing industrial infrastructure, promoting entrepreneurship, and leveraging Industry Revolution 4.0 advancements. The plan aims to boost economic growth, especially in the oil and gas sector, by increasing local contractor participation and emphasising human capital development.
Sabah’s strategy involves a concerted effort to build a thriving digital economy through collaboration between various sectors and by investing in educational advancements. The initiatives under the SMJ Roadmap are designed to drive innovation, support economic growth, and elevate Sabah’s status on both a national and global scale.
