KUCHING: MBKS Councillor Eric Tay expressed his strong support for the Sarawak government’s initiative of investing RM3.5 billion over the past five years in developing digital infrastructure and driving economic digitalisation.
“As someone who has served at the grassroots level for many years, I’ve personally witnessed how many elderly residents have become accustomed to using SPay Global for purchases and to receive assistance.
“This clearly shows that digitalisation has truly made people’s lives more convenient and helped them stay connected to society. This is not just a technological upgrade, but a crucial step towards progress.”
However, he also acknowledged that technological advancement brings new challenges, such as the misuse of deepfake technology.
“Therefore, I fully support the Sarawak Government’s effort to study relevant laws and hold tech-related seminars to enhance public awareness of technological ethics and responsible use.
“I believe more people will adapt to and master these new technologies in the future rather than be left behind. I myself am constantly learning to keep pace with this fast-evolving digital world.
“Sarawak, he said, is blessed with abundant natural resources, but the real key lies in how technology and human capital are leveraged to transform those resources into high-value products.
“We must encourage our younger generation to engage in innovation and technological development and to become outstanding engineers and skilled professionals. These efforts are the foundation for our nation to compete internationally
“In the midst of global instability such as rising tensions between India and Pakistan,we must focus on enhancing our own value, wisdom, and competitiveness to achieve peaceful coexistence and mutual benefit, rather than hostility and conflict.”
He also pointed out the impact of the ongoing U.S.-China trade war on the global economy.
“This power struggle has disrupted global supply chains and made it clear that only by becoming exceptional and valuable — as individuals and as a nation — can we secure a place in the global trade landscape.
“We can no longer depend on a traditional resource-based economy. We need innovation, technical expertise, and a global outlook. If Sarawak wants to succeed, we need strong, skilled, and united people.
“As elected representatives, we must speak and act with care, and focus our energy on introducing meaningful policies and services that truly help the people, not on creating noise and division.”
By Connie Chieng