Abang Johari chats with Kuok during his visit to K2 Strategic Data Centre Campus. – Ukas photo
KUCHING (May 3): The Sarawak government is planning to develop an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Campus here as a catalyst for an AI Grid, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the proposed development is expected to drive investment while strengthening the state’s AI data centre ecosystem.
He pointed out that a 405-hectare site in Tanjung Embang has been identified to realise the high-impact project.
“The campus, to be known as the Kuching AI Data Campus, will be equipped with dedicated energy and water supply facilities to support data centre operations, as well as the development of AI system connectivity nodes towards forming an AI grid in the future.
“The development will be implemented via a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, beginning with the first phase covering approximately 120 hectares,” he said, according to the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas).
He said this during his working visit to the K2 Strategic Data Centre Campus in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday (local time).
Abang Johari, who is currently on a working visit to the United Kingdom and Ireland, said the campus development project will be modelled after the world-class facility he visited.
Abang Johari and the Sarawak delegation pose for a group photo at the K2 Strategic Data Centre Campus. Also seen are Kuok (fifth left) and Kuan (fifth right). – Ukas photo
He added that the initiative is aligned with broader development plans in Tanjung Embang, including the construction of a new international airport, a deep-sea port, and low-carbon industrial zones.
Earlier, he was briefed by K2 Strategic founder and chief executive officer Kuok Meng Wei, as well as its chief operating officer Kuan Zhan Peng, before touring the facility.
Also present were State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali; State Financial Secretary Dato Sri Wan Lizozman Wan Omar; State Economic Planning Unit director Datu Awang Mohd Fadillah Awang Redzuan; and Sarawak Climate Change and Energy Transition Unit director Dr Angelia Liew San Chuin.
