Malaysia’s state-owned agency Center for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) has announced an expanded skills training collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) that will help Sarawak achieve its vision of becoming Malaysia’s premier artificial intelligence (AI) state by 2027.

This expanded initiative builds upon our successful 2024 CENTEXS AI training program that certified 32 local talents in AWS Cloud Practitioner, Architecting and AI/machine learning (ML), demonstrating their continued commitment to developing Sarawak’s AI capabilities, the duo said in a statement on Monday.

According to the statement, AWS is launching three specialized AI development tracks with CENTEXS in 2025: Executive AI briefings targeting 60 C-level leaders, AWS Certified AI Practitioner training for 80 civil servants, and advanced certification in Machine Learning Engineering and Data Engineering for 120 university graduates.

Graduates of the advanced track will participate in the AWS Guild Generative AI Incubator program at the new CENTEXS Invention & Innovation Center opening in August 2025, where they will develop AI solutions under AWS mentorship with deployment planned within four months.

As part of Sarawak Digital Economic Blueprint 2030, the state aims to transition from a resource-based economy to an environmentally sustainable and technology-driven one.

The training program addresses the critical need for AI expertise in government agencies through a comprehensive approach that includes executive awareness, practitioner certification, and advanced technology training.

This structured framework ensures that Sarawak builds both leadership understanding and technology capabilities needed for sustainable AI adoption.

The initiative will transform state government operations through integrated digital
services, improving citizen experience and agency productivity.

“Sarawak is at an exciting inflection point in its digital journey. Its commitment to building digital capabilities and accelerating AI adoption across the public sector creates a strong foundation for innovation and transformation,

“Through our expanded collaboration with CENTEXS, AWS will help realize this vision by training professionals and enabling them to develop practical AI solutions that will drive meaningful impact for Sarawak’s citizens,” said Eric Conrad, Regional
Managing Director, Worldwide Public Sector ASEAN at AWS.

Syeed Mohd Hussien Wan Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive Officer at CENTEXS, said the firm’s new Innovation Center launching in August, will leverage Generative AI, machine learning, and DevOps capabilities to develop practical AI solutions for key industries.

“Through partnerships with AWS, Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre (SAIC), Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS) and industry experts, we’ll create targeted solutions for government services and industries including energy, agriculture, media, and other sectors,” he added.

The initiative also supports the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030 (SDE 2030)
goals of economic transformation, modernization and efficiency, and income growth, said the statement.

CENTEXS, formerly known as Center of Technical Excellence Sarawak, was established by the Sarawak State Government through Yayasan Sarawak on October 1, 2014.

The agency is responsible to train the young generation and upskill the organization workforce to meet the technology needs and current demands and provides life-long learning to the people specifically for Sarawak, generally for Malaysia also around the globe.

The training program covers the industry area of energy; lifestyle & heritage; environmental sustainability; mining; construction & manufacturing; hospitality & tourism; digital; agriculture and aerospace.

CENTEXS also assists the graduates in their careers upon completion of the training.

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