Sarawak’s state tech training agency, The Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS), has strengthened its collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to drive artificial intelligence (AI) talent development and adoption across the region. Located in East Malaysia on the island of Borneo, Sarawak is aiming to position itself as the country’s premier AI hub by 2027 under the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030.
Launching in 2025, the initiative will introduce three targeted AI training pathways: high-level briefings for senior government officials, AWS Certified AI Practitioner training for civil service staff, and advanced certifications in machine learning and data engineering for university graduates. These programs will culminate in real-world AI solution deployments through the AWS Guild Generative AI Incubator at CENTEXS’ new Invention and Innovation Centre. The collaboration is designed to build a skilled AI workforce capable of supporting Sarawak’s economic transformation agenda. By equipping talent with AWS-certified skills and fostering innovation through public-private cooperation, the program directly addresses market demand for digital capabilities in sectors such as energy, agriculture, media, and government services.
CENTEXS will act as a key implementation partner, supported by local stakeholders including the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation, Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre, and Sarawak Information Systems. The initiative is also expected to enhance investor confidence in Sarawak’s growing tech ecosystem. With more than 54% of government services now digitized, the state is laying the groundwork for end-to-end digital service delivery and broader economic modernization. The AWS partnership supports Sarawak’s ambition to attract high-value digital investments and position itself as a competitive player in Southeast Asia’s emerging AI economy. By aligning skills development with commercial needs and deploying scalable solutions within key industries, the initiative sets a clear pathway for both sustainable growth and regional tech leadership.
(Sources: News Hub Asia; Sarawak Tribune)
