Charting a New Path: Dato' Seri Panglima Haji Mohd Shafie Apdal on Sabah’s Technological Future

At the MTDC Forum 2024, held at the Renaissance KL Hotel and Convention Centre, an audience of tech leaders, policy makers, and industry experts sat with anticipation. The spotlight was on Dato' Seri Panglima Haji Mohd Shafie bin Haji Apdal, Chief Executive of the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA). His keynote address, titled “Technology Growth in Sabah,” was not just an agenda item; it was a vision statement and a rallying call to action.

A Vision of Empowerment Through Technology

Stepping up to the podium, Dato' Seri Shafie commanded the room’s attention with his well-known blend of authority and approachability. His message was clear from the start: “Technology is not just a tool; it is the cornerstone for transformation.” With these words, he set the tone for a keynote that would touch on the region’s ambitions, challenges, and strategic plans for growth.

The heart of his address focused on how Sabah’s development hinges on the strategic integration of technology across multiple sectors. He emphasized that technology must not only drive economic growth but also empower the local population, creating jobs and fostering skills that will support a knowledge-based economy. “Our goal is to ensure that technological progress is inclusive, benefiting every Sabahan from the urban centers to the most remote villages,” he declared.

The Power of Strategic Partnerships

Dato' Seri Shafie highlighted the importance of partnerships in fostering a robust technological ecosystem. He pointed to collaborations with national bodies like the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) and global partners as critical to building an environment where innovation can thrive. One particularly notable initiative involved creating tech workshops in collaboration with international research institutions to bridge the gap between research and practical application. “We cannot operate in silos if we wish to thrive in the 4th Industrial Revolution,” he reminded the audience, emphasizing that the spirit of collaboration is essential.

He shared a compelling example of a recent project that brought together academic researchers and tech startups to develop renewable energy solutions tailored for rural areas in Sabah. This project, supported by MPC and funded by government grants, not only addressed pressing energy issues but also provided invaluable hands-on experience for local engineers and scientists. The results were both a technological win and a proof of concept for how multi-stakeholder collaboration can yield significant benefits.

Bridging Challenges with Resilience

Acknowledging the well-known challenges that Sabah faces, such as limited digital infrastructure and a dispersed population, Dato' Seri Shafie underscored that these obstacles were not deterrents but opportunities to showcase Sabah’s resilience. “Our region’s challenges are well-known, but so too is our resolve,” he stated. He shared stories of initiatives that tackled these challenges head-on, such as community-based programs aimed at equipping young Sabahans with coding and digital literacy skills. These programs were developed in partnership with tech giants and local educational institutions, ensuring that the younger generation was prepared for the demands of the future workforce.

“Investment in digital infrastructure is vital, but so is investment in our people,” he said, drawing attention to how bridging the digital divide required both hardware and human capital. Programs that focused on developing local talent were highlighted as key to this vision, demonstrating how grassroots educational initiatives can lead to sustainable growth.

The Role of Policy and Investment

Turning to the role of policy and funding, Dato' Seri Shafie outlined SEDIA’s strategic plans that include substantial investments in tech hubs and research centers. These hubs are designed not only to attract high-caliber talent from other regions but also to nurture homegrown innovation. “We must create environments where ideas can grow and where local entrepreneurs can scale their solutions to global levels,” he remarked.

One highlight of the address was the announcement of the Summer Innovation Program, an initiative aimed at selecting promising research projects and providing them with funding and mentorship. “We have allocated up to 250,000 MYR per project to ensure that these innovations have the resources they need to go from concept to market,” Dato' Seri Shafie shared, illustrating the government’s commitment to transforming research into real-world applications that benefit the broader economy.

The keynote also detailed strategic collaborations with international bodies that would bring expertise and funding into Sabah. Agreements with technology partners from Europe and East Asia were mentioned as examples of how global alliances are being harnessed to accelerate local technological advancement.

Pioneering a Knowledge-Based Economy

The address culminated with a vision for a knowledge-based economy where technology serves as the backbone of growth. Dato' Seri Shafie stressed the importance of a balanced approach that integrates technological advancements with Sabah’s cultural and environmental heritage. “We must advance, but not at the expense of our identity,” he said, underscoring that development must be sustainable and respectful of the region’s unique context.

A Call for Unity and Action

Concluding his keynote, Dato' Seri Shafie left the audience with a clear call to action. “Technology is the bridge to our collective future, and it is through our combined efforts that Sabah will thrive. We are at the starting line of a journey that requires all of us—government, industry, and community—to walk together.”

The room erupted into applause, a testament to the powerful, forward-thinking message that resonated with everyone present. It was more than just a speech; it was a blueprint for a future where collaboration and technological integration position Sabah as a leader in innovation.

Final Thoughts

Dato' Seri Shafie’s keynote was a defining moment, rich with strategic insight, stories of resilience, and an inspiring vision for Sabah’s future. As the audience filtered out of the venue, the energy was palpable—one of optimism, urgency, and a collective readiness to act on the blueprint laid out before them.

“Together, we will turn vision into reality,” he concluded, signaling the start of Sabah’s journey toward a technologically empowered and inclusive future.