TLDR: The International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2025, scheduled for October 22-23 in Kuching, will host renowned author James Barrat, known for ‘Our Final Invention: Artificial Intelligence and the End of the Human Era,’ as a keynote speaker. The conference, themed ‘AI and Green Evolution,’ aims to attract 10,000 delegates from over 40 countries to discuss the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence and sustainable development.
Kuching, Sarawak – The International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2025 is set to convene from October 22 to 23 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), with a strong emphasis on the transformative power and potential risks of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The highly anticipated event will feature James Barrat, author of the critically acclaimed book ‘Our Final Invention: Artificial Intelligence and the End of the Human Era,’ as a prominent keynote speaker. Barrat’s session is titled ‘The Intelligence Explosion: When AI Beats Humans at Everything,’ promising an in-depth exploration of advanced AI’s extraordinary promise and peril.
The conference, now in its eighth edition, is themed ‘AI and Green Evolution: Growth, Challenges and Community Resilience.’ It is expected to draw a significant international audience, with approximately 10,000 delegates from over 40 countries anticipated to attend. Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, highlighted the importance of understanding AI’s multifaceted impact, stating, ‘AI is among the most current enabling technologies that greatly influence our lives today. Sarawak and Malaysia should not be left behind in understanding AI.’ He further emphasized the need to be exposed to ‘the latest developments in AI – not only the benefits and opportunities but also the possible negative impacts.’
In addition to James Barrat, the impressive lineup of 120 speakers includes Dr. Ayesha Khanna, a globally recognized AI expert and CEO of Addo, and Dr. Justin Cohen, a leading expert in human transformation. The conference agenda also features a pre-IDECS Leaders Masterclass on October 21, focusing on AI and human transformation, and an official launching ceremony on October 20.
IDECS 2025 will be officiated by the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, on October 22. The event will also host the prestigious Digital Economy Awards (DEA) 2025, recognizing achievements across seven categories: Digital Technology Transformation, Research and Development and Commercialisation, Entrepreneurship and Startup, Digital Government, Digital Creative Content, Environmental Sustainability, and Digital Leadership. Each category winner will receive a RM10,000 cash prize, a trophy, and a certificate. A special Premier’s Digital Economy Award will also be presented, offering the winner an all-expenses-paid trip to the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, in March 2026.
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The conference aims to delve into how disruptive technologies can accelerate a sustainable future and drive robust economic growth, with key topics including Smart Cities & Digital Governance, AI Powered Economic Transformation, Smart Energy Ecosystems, Digital Resilience & Cybersecurity, and Circular Economy, Digital Transformation & Sustainable Investment.
