IoT Will Help Sabah's Economy Grow

The Internet of Things offers immense potential for practically any business or organisation, especially those undergoing a digital transformation.

Digitalisation can accelerate economic development in Sabah, particularly in the state's key economic sectors, according to Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba.

Using smart agriculture and aquaculture as an example, he stated that the Internet of Things (IoT) technology could improve local farmers' skills and increase their yields.

"Through IoT technology, farmers have access to real-time information or real-time data to track weather forecasts, air quality, humidity levels, amount of light, temperature, soil conditions and much more data to ensure healthier crop growth."

"The IoT usage in the industry in Malaysia is also expected to contribute RM9.8 billion to the gross national income in 2025," he made the remarks during a speech at the launch of the Sabah Sandbox Digital IoT pilot programme on Tuesday.

Datuk Zainal Abidin Abu Hassan, Secretary-General of the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (MOSTI), read his speech. Sabah Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Yakub Khan officiated the ceremony.

Local Sabah Companies Can Benefit through IoT To:

• Automate operations to cut labour costs waste, and improve service delivery

• Reduce manufacturing costs to boost competitiveness

• Increase customer transparency

"IoT will also accelerate the adaptation of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotic technology and further open up space for monetisation of data," he said.

He proceeded to state that the Sabah Sandbox Digital IoT would establish an industrial IoT ecosystem to stimulate the growth, dissemination, and application of IoT technology and strengthen Sabah's position as an IoT centre of excellence to start generating economic growth.

"I believe this can also attract experts in various fields to come together and generate ideas and inspiration for state development in various related sectors," he said.

Facts About Sabah Sandbox Digital IoT

• It is the eighth one-stop IoT technology centre of its kind in the country

• It is also the first in East Malaysia

• The centre is located at Wisma Bandara

• The experts will gather in IoT technology to provide guidance and assistance to locals and Sabah industry players

"It is like a technology laboratory to help develop innovation and help up to the marketing level. It will boost the development of innovation to shape Sabah's economy and encourage research and development in science, technology and innovation," he added.