Sarawak, a state in Malaysia, is taking a proactive approach to combat climate change by establishing a cutting-edge research and development center. The Sarawak Climate Change Center, set to be Southeast Asia’s premier hub for climate research, aims to leverage emerging technologies to address climate challenges.
During a public lecture at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg unveiled plans for the climate research institute. Instead of creating new research institutes, the state will focus on enhancing climate change mitigation efforts and implementing risk assessment and adaptation programs.
The Sarawak Climate Change Center will not only drive sustainability initiatives but also foster corporate compliance with global environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. This move is expected to enhance investor confidence, promote responsible business practices, and position Sarawak as a leader in sustainability governance within ASEAN’s green economy.
Incorporating blockchain technology and artificial intelligence (AI) into its operations, the center will pioneer blockchain-enabled carbon markers to assist enterprises in achieving their sustainability goals. AI will be utilized for resource management and disaster prediction, with a focus on talent development for emerging technologies.
The state’s Sustainability Blueprint from 2024 outlines additional efforts to promote environmental sustainability, including renewable technologies and eco-tourism biotechnologies. Sarawak aims to strike a balance between economic growth and environmental responsibility through digital transformation, renewable energy, and low-carbon solutions.
In a similar vein, Malaysia is actively embracing emerging technologies to drive innovation and address longstanding issues. The Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) recently turned to AI and blockchain to combat fraud due to their efficiency and immutability properties. Foreign investments from tech giants like Microsoft and Google are reshaping the local ecosystem, prompting the development of robust frameworks to guide service providers’ operations.
On a global scale, Vietnam has emerged as a key player in the digital transformation landscape, garnering recognition from the United Nations for its strides in AI and blockchain technology. Despite facing challenges, Vietnam leads in regional and global adoption rates for emerging technologies, with a burgeoning DeFi sector and a growing number of AI firms making their mark.
Vietnam’s focus on digitalization is part of a larger government initiative aimed at driving economic growth and transforming the country into a modern industrialized nation by 2045. The UN has identified Vietnam as a strategic partner in digitalization efforts, with potential areas of support including policy guidance, funding, technical assistance, and capacity building.
As Vietnam accelerates its adoption of next-gen technologies, plans are underway to train over 1 million residents in AI and blockchain. Bilateral partnerships with the United States are also being strengthened to foster the development of resilient semiconductor chains and incubate global Web3 brands.
In conclusion, Sarawak and Vietnam’s initiatives underscore the growing importance of leveraging technology to address pressing global challenges and drive sustainable growth. By embracing innovation and collaboration, these regions are paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable future.