BARIO, 25 September 2026 (The Capital Post) – The Ministry of Digital is expanding digital and artificial intelligence (AI) exposure in rural Sarawak through the Bario Digital Outreach 2026 programme, targeting local entrepreneurs, students and communities in the Bario Highlands.
Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Anak Kumbong officiated the programme on 24 September, which also marked the opening of the Ministry of Digital Week 2026 Borneo Zone.
The initiative was organised by the ministry through its Sarawak regional office in collaboration with the Miri Resident’s Office, Bario Sub-District Office, National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) and D Empire Global Ventures.
Among the programme’s activities was a Digital Entrepreneur Workshop involving 33 local entrepreneurs, including homestay operators, farmers and craft weavers. Participants were introduced to e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, TikTok Shop and Facebook Marketplace, as well as cashless payment methods.
Another 30 pupils from SK Bario were introduced to digital learning through the MindAppz e-Tuition platform and AI applications including Gemini, NotebookLM and Copilot.
The programme also featured an interactive GPS and QR code-based digital exploration activity involving 15 participants from different age groups.
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About 200 local residents and Kelabit community leaders attended the programme’s “Digitalisasi Memperkasa, Kebudayaan Dipelihara” themed evening event.
Wilson said bringing digital knowledge and AI technology to rural communities reflects the ministry’s commitment to ensuring the country’s digital transformation reaches communities beyond major urban centres.
The programme also supports Malaysia’s broader ambition to become an AI-driven nation by 2030, an agenda being led by the Ministry of Digital under the country’s digital and AI action plans.
According to a post on the official Facebook page of Kementerian Digital, the Bario Digital Outreach 2026 programme aims to strengthen rural digital capabilities while supporting Malaysia’s transition towards an AI-driven economy – The Capital Post
