Ernst & Young Consulting Sdn. Bhd. (EY Malaysia) and Sarawak Information Systems Sdn. Bhd. (SAINS) have formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI) and innovation initiatives supporting Sarawak’s long-term development ambitions.
The MoU was announced during the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2026 in Kuching, which brought together industry, government, investors, researchers and technology leaders to explore the future of Sarawak’s digital economy.
Combining Digital Transformation Expertise
The agreement was exchanged by Adrian Chew, EY Asean Consulting AI & Data Co-leader, Malaysia Technology Consulting Leader and Partner at EY Malaysia, and Busiai Bin Seman, Chief Executive Officer of SAINS, on behalf of their respective organisations.
The collaboration combines EY Malaysia’s global experience in business transformation, digital strategy, AI, governance and industry expertise with SAINS’ understanding of the public sector and longstanding track record in delivering digital solutions to support Sarawak’s development agenda.
Through the MoU, the two organisations will explore opportunities to support digital transformation, AI adoption, capability building, innovation and governance across the public sector and broader state-linked ecosystem.
Supporting Practical AI Adoption
EY Malaysia said the collaboration comes at an important point in Sarawak’s digital transformation journey, as organisations increasingly look beyond technology investment towards measurable outcomes.
“EY Malaysia is honoured to work with SAINS at a pivotal time in Sarawak’s transformation journey,” said Adrian Chew. “Technology is moving quickly, but organisations are under pressure to monitor that it delivers real results. Digital platforms, data and AI each have a role to play, but lasting impact comes from getting the fundamentals right, building capability, strengthening governance and embedding change.”
Chew added that EY Malaysia looks forward to working with SAINS to help organisations take practical steps towards Sarawak’s long-term digital ambitions.
Aligning With Sarawak’s Digital Economy Goals
The collaboration aligns with Sarawak’s aspirations under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), which envisions the state as a thriving, high-income economy driven by data, innovation and technology.
As organisations across the public sector continue to modernise, digital technologies and AI are becoming increasingly important to improving productivity, efficiency and decision-making while supporting sustainable economic growth.
The wider direction is also reflected in IDECS 2026, which focused on emerging technologies including AI, semiconductors, digital talent and the emerging space economy as part of Sarawak’s next phase of digital development.
Building Digital Capabilities and Responsible AI
Mohd Husin, EY Asean Government and Public Sector Consulting Leader and Partner at EY Malaysia, said the focus should be on translating technology investments into meaningful economic and societal value.
“As Sarawak advances its digital economy ambitions, the focus becomes how we can translate technology investments into meaningful economic and societal value,” he said. “Through this initiative, we aim to support efforts that strengthen digital capabilities, promote responsible AI adoption and help build the foundation for a resilient, innovative and future-ready economy.”
For Sarawak, strengthening local digital capabilities and developing talent will be increasingly important as the state expands its participation in advanced technology and emerging industries.
Strengthening Sarawak’s Digital Future
Busiai Bin Seman said Sarawak had already built strong momentum in its digitalisation journey, supported by a clear vision and commitment to innovation.
“We look forward to exploring opportunities with EY Malaysia that support capability building, innovation and the continued advancement of the state’s digital economy,” he said.
As Sarawak continues to pursue its development goals, the collaboration between EY Malaysia and SAINS reflects a shared commitment to accelerating digital transformation, strengthening governance and supporting the adoption of emerging technologies.
The partnership will focus on helping organisations build the capabilities needed to turn digital and AI investments into practical outcomes, while contributing to a resilient and future-ready economy in Sarawak.
