BARIO DIGITAL OUTREACH 2026: CURTAIN-RAISER FOR THE MINISTRY OF DIGITAL'S DIGITAL WEEK 2026
BARIO, 25 September 2026 – The Ministry of Digital, through the Sarawak Region Ministry of Digital Office (KD Sarawak), organized the Bario Digital Outreach 2026 program in Bario, Sarawak.
This program serves as the curtain-raiser for the Ministry of Digital’s Digital Week 2026 (Borneo Zone), ahead of upcoming roadshows in the Northern Zone (Perak) and Central Zone (Kuala Lumpur). The initiative was organized in strategic partnership with the Miri Resident's Office, Bario Sub-District Office, National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI), and industry partner D Empire Global Ventures, focusing specifically on entrepreneurship, education, and digital technology empowerment within the community.
The primary objective of this program is to bridge the digital divide and expand digital access, knowledge, and skills among rural communities, particularly students and youth. This initiative is aligned with the Ministry of Digital’s Strategic Plan 2026– 2030 under the strategic thrusts of Strengthening the Digital Economy and Digital Society, while also supporting Sarawak’s digital development aspirations through the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
The four (4) main components of the Bario Digital Outreach Program include:
• Digital Entrepreneurship Workshop: A total of 33 local entrepreneurs, including homestay operators, farmers, and handicraft weavers, received guidance on utilizing e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, TikTok Shop, and Facebook Marketplace. Participants were also exposed to promotional techniques via global platforms, product photography using smart devices, and cashless payment services.
• AI Learning for Students: A total of 30 pupils from SK Bario participated in interactive learning through the MindAppz e-Tuition platform, supported by Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies such as Gemini, NotebookLM, and Copilot.
• Digital Quest & Exploration: A total of 15 participants across generations, including senior citizens, civil servants, and youth participated in interactive activities utilizing GPS technology, QR codes, and digital tasks. This activity provided the local community an opportunity to leverage technology in an engaging and inclusive manner.
• Digital Aesthetics Night: The pinnacle event gathered approximately 200 local residents alongside Kelabit community leaders, under the theme "Empowering Digitalization, Preserving Culture". The event highlighted the uniqueness of local heritage through various cultural and arts performances.
The four (4) key benefits to the community include:
• Enhancing digital skills and confidence among the community in leveraging technology for daily life;
• Empowering local entrepreneurs to expand the market reach of their products and services online;
• Providing early exposure to digital learning and AI technology for students in remote areas; and
• Encouraging cross-generational technology adoption while preserving local identity and culture.
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION FOR ALL
Officiating the program, Deputy Minister of Digital, YB Datuk Wilson Ugak Anak Kumbong, stated that selecting Bario as the venue demonstrates the government's commitment to ensuring that digital transformation is inclusive and equitably enjoyed by all segments of society.
He emphasized that geographical barriers should not prevent the public from mastering digital knowledge, unlocking economic opportunities, or leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. Guided by a ground-up approach under the Malaysia MADANI framework, the Ministry of Digital remains committed to ensuring that digital technology development is implemented comprehensively to elevate the quality of life and socio-economic wellbeing of the people nationwide.
He further emphasized that the implementation of the program in Bario reflects the Ministry of Digital’s ongoing efforts to translate the national digital agenda into direct, tangible benefits for the people.
CONTINUOUS COMMITMENT
The implementation of the Bario Digital Outreach 2026 Program under Digital Week 2026 reflects the Ministry of Digital’s ongoing commitment to realizing the MADANI Government agenda through RMK13, MD2030, and the National AI Action Plan 2026–2030, thereby driving Malaysia’s transformation toward becoming an AI Nation by 2030.
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Issued by:
Ministry of Digital.
