As Singaporeans, when we think “digital transformation” in Southeast Asia, our minds often jump to flashy tech hubs and smart cities. But head across the South China Sea to Sarawak, and you’ll find a truly fascinating digital revolution brewing.

Malaysia’s largest state, Sarawak, is on an ambitious path with its Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030. From a Singaporean view, what makes their approach stand out is how they’re cleverly weaving AI into two often-overlooked areas: preserving indigenous culture and boosting rural communities.

AI as a cultural protector: Safeguarding Sarawak’s rich heritage

I recently spoke at the Sarawak Media Conference 2025 (SMEC2025) in early July. My first visit was a total positive culture shock! Sarawak is so different from KL or JB.

It’s a mosaic of over 27 ethnic groups, each with unique languages, traditions, and oral histories. In our globalised world, keeping these priceless cultural assets alive is a huge challenge. That’s where Sarawak is starting to use AI – not to replace human connection, but as a powerful preservation tool.

Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg envisions a homegrown AI platform, playfully named “DeepSar.” Inspired by China’s “DeepSeek,” DeepSar aims to gather unique local data, becoming a digital bridge between Sarawakians and the world. I’ve previously written about my thoughts here:

This ambitious project could be key for cultural preservation.

Also Read: Echelon Singapore 2025: 10 powerful sessions now available to stream

Imagine DeepSar’s speech recognition and natural language processing (NLP) transcribing oral traditions, stories, and songs from elders. This creates invaluable digital archives for study, teaching, and passing down through generations. Think digital dictionaries or interactive learning platforms for languages at risk!

Beyond language, DeepSar and similar AI initiatives could help organise and make accessible tons of cultural data – from traditional weaving patterns and ancient rituals (in video!) to historical documents. An intelligent system like this could let researchers and the public explore Sarawak’s rich heritage in exciting, new ways.

Sarawak’s existing AI.LEGACY system, an intelligent impact management tool for business events, already shows their commitment to using tech for non-economic impacts, including cultural ones.

While it’s for events now, the idea of using AI for impact measurement can totally extend to cultural preservation, maybe even using the DeepSar framework. This proactive stance is really refreshing!

As I pointed out in “Beyond Words: Sarawak’s Human Touch in the Age of AI“, Sarawak’s focus on the human element, even with advanced tech, truly makes their approach shine.

While Singapore digitises our own diverse heritage, Sarawak’s direct use of cutting-edge AI for indigenous cultural preservation offers a compelling model for other multicultural nations.

Bridging the divide: AI empowering rural Sarawak

One of the biggest hurdles in any large, diverse region is ensuring everyone gets a fair shot at digital opportunities. Sarawak, with its vast rainforests and many remote settlements, faces this head-on. The Blueprint actively prioritises extending digital infrastructure to rural areas, knowing that connectivity is the foundation for any digital shift.

Since 2017, Sarawak has invested RM2.3 billion (US$495 million) to improve digital infrastructure in these rural spots, aiming to close the urban-rural development gap.

Also Read: The tri-economy: How AI is reshaping our economic future

Beyond basic connectivity, AI is being deployed to directly help these rural communities. For a state with a strong agricultural base, AI is a total game-changer.

Think AI-powered sensors and drones for precision farming – monitoring crop health, soil, and pests. AI can dramatically boost productivity and sustainability for rural farmers. Imagine AI helping farmers grow more with less, turning traditional fields into high-tech hubs!

For us in urban Singapore, seeing AI used to tackle the challenges of Sarawak’s vast rural landscapes and diverse indigenous cultures is super insightful.

It really shows that digital transformation isn’t a one-size-fits-all thing; it needs to fit the unique social, economic, and cultural fabric of a region. DeepSar’s goal of focusing on “content unique to Sarawak” perfectly sums up this localised, inclusive approach.

Lessons from the Bornean frontier

Sarawak’s journey is a powerful reminder that AI’s biggest impact might not always be where we expect it. It’s about cleverly using technology to solve real-world problems, meet societal needs, and most importantly, safeguard what makes a community unique.

Their focus on inclusive growth – ensuring indigenous cultures thrive and rural areas flourish – offers valuable lessons for all nations navigating the digital age.

As Singapore continues its Smart Nation journey, we’re watching our neighbor across the strait with admiration and keen interest. Sarawak is proving that AI can truly be a force for good, even in the most culturally sensitive and geographically challenging places. The vision of DeepSar perfectly illustrates this forward-thinking, culturally aware approach to digital transformation.

What an exciting time to be alive. I’m really looking forward to going back to Kuching for the AI Design Hackathon that AI Visionary Society is organising!

—

Editor’s note: e27 aims to foster thought leadership by publishing views from the community. Share your opinion by submitting an article, video, podcast, or infographic.

Enjoyed this read? Don’t miss out on the next insight. Join our WhatsApp channel for real-time drops.

Image courtesy: DALL-E