BINTULU (Nov 26): Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong officially launched the inaugural Bintulu Port Digital Day 2025 (BeDigital25) on Tuesday, describing it as a landmark step in Sarawak’s and Malaysia’s journey towards smart, sustainable and technology-driven development.
Speaking at the event at Menara Kidurong, Ugak said the celebration marks more than a digital milestone for Bintulu Port; it also signals Sarawak’s readiness to lead the nation in smart, green and digitally enabled infrastructure.
He praised Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad (BPHB) president and group chief executive officer Dato Ruslan Abdul Ghani for his vision and leadership in steering the port’s transformation roadmap, including its long-term goal of becoming a fully automated port by 2050.
“The Bintulu Port’s ongoing transformation aligns closely with the national direction under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) and Malaysia’s aspiration to become an artificial intelligence (AI) Nation by 2030,” he said.
He highlighted the government’s five strategic pillars ― forward-looking policies, talent development, digital trust, next-generation infrastructure and quality investments ― as the foundation for a stronger digital economy.
“Our government has set an ambitious vision to contribute 25.5 per cent of GDP through the digital economy by 2025, creating high-value jobs, fostering innovation, and ensuring no Malaysian is left behind,” he said.
At the State level, Ugak noted that Sarawak continues to lead through its Digital Economy Strategy and Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, championed by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“Bintulu Port, as a strategic gateway to Sarawak and Asean, plays a critical role. Its journey to becoming Malaysia’s first fully integrated and highly automated port supports Sarawak’s ambition to be resource-rich, digitally advanced and innovation-driven,” he said.
Emphasising this year’s theme Technology Towards a Greener Future, Ugak said digitalisation must go hand in hand with environmental sustainability.
“The question is not whether to digitalise or go green, but how we use technology to build a greener, more sustainable future,” he said.
He highlighted technologies such as digital twins, AI-powered systems, automated cargo handling and ESG-driven operations as key to reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency, and strengthening safety standards.
Ugak said Bintulu Port’s efforts align perfectly with Sarawak’s push for renewable and green energy, including its growing role in hydrogen production and future clean-energy logistics.
“Imagine a future where Bintulu Port runs on renewable energy, with autonomous electric vehicles moving cargo with zero emissions. That future is not far away; it is being built today,” he added.
Ugak stressed that technology alone is not enough, and that human capital remains the core of transformation.
He commended Bintulu Port for prioritising workforce training and upskilling, urging employees to embrace new tools, be curious and be ready to learn.
He also encouraged Sarawak’s youth, start-ups and digital entrepreneurs to seize new opportunities in logistics innovation, green technology and digital services, saying the government will continue supporting them through financing, infrastructure and conducive policy frameworks.
Ugak called on all industry players, government agencies and communities to work together to advance the nation’s digital transformation.
Among those present were BPHB president/Group chief executive officer Dato Ruslan Abdul Ghani, Bintulu Port Authority chairman Datuk Sharkawi Ali, vice presidents and leadership team of Bintulu Port, technology partners, industry players and port employees.