KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has launched the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) and the first version of the Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy Book 2018-2022 today, heralding the start of digitalisation transformation of Sarawak.

The launch, held in conjunction with the State Civil Service Day celebration, was witnessed by more than 5,000 employees who packed the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here.

SMA is the lead agency for Sarawak digital economy transformation that will oversee and regulate the digital strategies and initiatives in the state.

The Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy 2018-2022 is a document which clearly spells out the Vision, Mission and Strategies and also contains 47 Strategic Actions.

The state digital economy, Abang Johari highlighted in his address, affects each and every one, the civil servants and the people.

“Digitalisation is impacting our economic development as well as social life. It causes constant disruptions and poses a potential threat to those who are reluctant to embrace the new technologies. It also provides new opportunities to others who are prepared to venture into this new field,” he said.

“That is why I am also launching the State Multimedia Authority on this Civil Service Day so that all civil servants in Sarawak can recognise and understand the significance of this digitalisation initiative,” he added.

The state, he reiterated, has no choice but to strengthen its development strategies to further accelerate the economic growth to overcome the challenges of the global economy.

“This is imperative especially with the emergence of digital economy driven by the rapid explosion of technological advancement and the disruptive forces of the digital revolution,” he said.

As such, he said that the state has to embrace the new era of digitalisation and ride on the digital economy in order to stay ahead, thrive and prosper for the well being of the people.

“We are already implementing some of these digital disruptive strategies to generate untapped opportunities, innovations and value creation for all,” he added.

He thus called on all civil servants to be on the same page while striving and upholding their integrity in execution.

Affirming the civil servants as the backbone of the government, Abang Johari also reminded that their knowledge about digital economy is also critical in explaining about it to the people at the grassroots level.

“Many of you have read about it from the papers or from the government website, but I am sure you will be more knowledgeable about it by attending this event and by browsing through the exhibits outside this hall which are also open to the public,” he urged.