The newly launched Sarawak Centre of Excellence (CoE) will feature the 1st Sigfox Testbed in Sarawak, supported by Xperanti IoT as part of a strategic partnership with Sarawak Digital Economic Corporation (SDEC) to help scale up Sarawak’s digital economy initiatives.

The CoE, located at the Centre of Technical Excellence (CENTEXS), Santubong campus was recently launched by The Right Honorable, Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, Chief Minister of Sarawak. It includes Digital Economy Testbeds - two of which will be focused on 5G & Sigfox IoT technology. The testbeds are the government’s initiative through CENTEXS, SMA (Sarawak Multimedia Authority) and SDEC.

“We are committed to accelerate the digitalisation of Sarawak and by having this Centre of Excellence (CoE), we are looking forward to more collaborative efforts between government, private sectors (including Multinational Companies) and Higher Learning Institutions to inculcate the research and innovation culture. The SDEC – Xperanti partnership will help spur the next lap of growth for our digital economy and paving the way for a greater Sarawak” said Sudarnoto Osman, SDEC’s Chief Executive Officer.

Xperanti - Malaysia’s 1st & largest dedicated IoT network, offering nationwide IIoT solutions leveraging on Sigfox technology, is one of the CoE’s key partners focused on localised smart solutions that will support the State’s digital transformation goals. The Sigfox Digital Economy Testbed will be a reference for proven IoT deployment across sectors such as Smart City applications, Transportation & Logistics, Utilities, and Agriculture as well as for R&D on complementary technology collaborations between Sigfox (LPWAN) with Bluetooth/Wifi/GPS/4G/5G.

“The global IoT industry is projected to have an economic impact of over $11 trillion by 2025. Strategic socio-economic IoT adoption is integral to the larger narrative of Sarawak’s digital transformation, both for trade and industry gains as well as to reduce the digital divide across communities,” said Vicks Kanagasingam, Xperanti’s Chief Executive Officer.

“We are committed towards supporting SDEC’s pursuit towards achieving the goals outlined within the Digital Economy Strategy 2018 – 2022. The Sigfox Testbed will serve as a multi-disciplinary showcase hub to support the Nation’s long-term strategy and digital transformation,” he added.