Miri: The government will ensure that rural communities are not left behind in the nation’s push for digitalisation, in line with the goal of making Malaysia an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Nation by 2030. Deputy Minister of Digital, Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, emphasized the importance of initiatives like the Digital Community Roadshow Programme to enhance the digital skills and economic opportunities of rural communities.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ugak stated that the programme reflects the government’s commitment to promoting the digitalisation agenda and ensuring rural communities benefit from the country’s digital development. Speaking at the official launch ceremony at Rumah Johnson Jangu, Sibuti, near Miri, he highlighted the necessity of bringing technology closer to rural areas to build a resilient, equitable, and inclusive AI Nation by 2030.

Ugak stressed that digital skills are now essential for increasing opportunities in education, business, and rural economic development. He mentioned that his ministry, through agencies like MyDIGITAL Corporation and MYNIC Berhad, is intensifying efforts to educate the public to be digitally literate and adopt a “digital first” mindset.

Furthermore, he noted the significant impact of implementing Digital AgTech by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), under the Ministry of Digital, on the country’s agricultural sector. Ugak explained that technologies such as drones, the Internet of Things (IoT), and big data are assisting farmers in reducing costs, monitoring crops, and boosting agricultural output, which contributes to national food security and strengthens the rural economy.