Helping Malaysia go digital

We have welcomed a delegation of senior Malaysian officials to our Colchester Campus as we build closer business and knowledge-sharing links with the country.

The state government of the Sarawak region in Malaysian Borneo is embarking on a major Digital Economy programme and senior representatives travelled to Essex to explore the ways our expertise could help.

During their visit the delegation, led by the Honourable Speaker of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly, heard about the latest research from our Institute for Analytics and Data Science, Essex Business School and Department of Government, and toured our Knowledge Gateway research and technology park.

The visit was coordinated by Ville Karhusaari,  Knowledge Exchange Manager, and Professor Dominic Micklewright, Dean of Partnerships.

Professor Micklewright said: “It was a great pleasure to welcome the Sarawak delegation to our Colchester Campus and build a strong relationship that we hope to continue. Being approached in this way by the Sarawak Government is testament to our global research reputation, the impact of our expertise, and our business and enterprise innovations.”

Dr Rob Singh, Deputy Director (Enterprise) spoke to the group about the Knowledge Gateway. Dr Singh said: “It’s been great to learn about the Sarawak government’s digital economy plans which align well with our own work to help deliver our government’s Industrial Strategy by supporting businesses innovation with our artificial intelligence expertise.”

The Sarawak government’s Digital Economy programme includes the development of a ‘Digital Village’ or innovation hub, boosting e-commerce and cyber security, e-government projects, and talent development. The programme is part of a broader $2 billion drive to upskill Malaysia’s workforce.

The visit follows a bespoke executive education programme on orchestrating competitive strategies delivered to 100 Malaysian public officials and businesses by Professor Tazeeb Rajwani from Essex Business School.