By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: Artificial intelligence and digital transformation must produce measurable improvements for businesses instead of being adopted simply for the sake of technology, Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said.
The Finance Minister said digital technologies should solve operational problems, improve productivity and create tangible value, enabling businesses to compete more effectively in an increasingly connected economy.
Masidi said this when witnessing the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between Sri Komputer director Hiew Chee Fah and Infor (Malaysia and Indonesia) director Khoo Chee Wei at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here.
He said partnerships between local technology firms and international providers could strengthen Sabah’s competitiveness, innovation and productivity if they produced practical outcomes for businesses and industries.
“Digital transformation is no longer a matter of adopting technology for its own sake. It must solve real problems, improve the way organisations operate and create tangible value,” he said.
Masidi said technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, data analytics and intelligent automation were reshaping how companies planned operations, managed resources, served customers and competed in regional and global markets.
He said Sabah businesses must embrace these technologies to improve efficiency, reduce operating costs, strengthen supply chains and make better-informed decisions.
These capabilities, he added, were equally important for small and medium enterprises seeking to expand, participate in larger value chains and reach markets beyond Sabah.
However, Masidi said technology alone would not guarantee progress.
He said successful digital transformation depended on identifying operational needs, implementing suitable systems, developing capable personnel and maintaining disciplined execution.
Masidi said collaboration between international technology companies and local partners would help ensure digital solutions were relevant to Sabah’s business environment and could be implemented effectively.
He said the State Government welcomed private-sector initiatives that contributed to Sabah’s economic modernisation through stronger local capabilities, higher-value employment, greater efficiency and responsible investment.
At the same time, he said organisations must ensure artificial intelligence was adopted responsibly by giving due attention to cybersecurity, data protection, transparency, accountability and human oversight.
“Technology should strengthen sound judgement, not replace it,” he said.
Masidi also stressed the importance of developing Sabah’s own digital workforce.
He said a sustainable digital economy could not depend entirely on imported expertise and called for greater investment in training, knowledge transfer and continuous professional development.
He expressed hope that the agreement would create opportunities for Sabahans to acquire skills in enterprise technology while enabling local companies to build expertise in system integration, implementation and technical support.
He said local participation should gradually expand into higher-value technical, managerial and innovative roles.
Masidi said the success of the agreement would ultimately be measured by its implementation, including improved productivity, stronger local talent and lasting economic benefits for Sabah.
He urged Sri Komputer and Infor to pursue the partnership with a commitment to professionalism, quality service, knowledge transfer and long-term capability building.
He also encouraged businesses to evaluate emerging technologies based on their practical value and ability to improve operations.
“Sabah’s digital progress will not be achieved through slogans or technology alone. It will be achieved through clear objectives, sound investment, capable people and partnerships that deliver results.”
Masidi (centre), receives a souvenir from Hiew (left), as Khoo (second, right), and other guests look on.
