SACOFA and ZTE partner to advance Sarawak’s digital growth

SACOFA and ZTE Corporation have entered a strategic collaboration to drive Sarawak’s digital transformation through the use of artificial intelligence, cloud computing and sustainable network technologies. 

The initiative follows Sarawak’s ambition to strengthen its position as a green digital economy hub in Malaysia.

The partnership draws on SACOFA’s existing state-wide fibre and connectivity assets and ZTE’s global experience in intelligent network development. Both companies will work together to implement initiatives that expand Sarawak’s digital infrastructure and support broader Industry 4.0 adoption.

Dato Sri Sulaiman Abdul Rahman B Abdul Taib, Managing Director of SACOFA, says: “This collaboration with ZTE is a significant step in Sarawak's digital transformation. SACOFA's network modernisation will provide high-speed connectivity for the people of Sarawak and support a digital-ready future. 

“SACOFA's state-wide network will enable autonomous industrial initiatives and drive long-term digital growth across the state.”

Building towards a sustainable network future

The partnership highlights Sarawak’s focus on sustainable and energy-efficient infrastructure. 

Under the agreement, SACOFA and ZTE will develop secure, resilient and low-carbon digital systems that form the foundation for environmental stewardship and economic growth.

Both companies state that by leveraging ZTE’s experience in green network design, the alliance will contribute to reducing carbon emissions while improving connectivity reliability. 

The goal, according to joint statements from both firms, is to create an intelligent and efficient network backbone that meets the needs of an expanding digital economy.

ZTE Malaysia Managing Director Steven Ge says: “We are proud to collaborate with SACOFA to bring intelligent, energy-efficient network solutions that align with Sarawak's vision of sustainable digital development. The collaboration reflects our continued commitment to supporting Malaysia's digital transformation through innovation and resilience.”

AI and cloud at the centre of transformation

Artificial intelligence and cloud computing remain central to the SACOFA–ZTE partnership. The companies plan to promote autonomous network solutions that can self-monitor, manage capacity and adapt in real time to user demand. The approach supports Sarawak’s goal of deploying next-generation connectivity that extends beyond the reach of 5G and the Internet of Things.

Through the use of predictive analytics, the network will have the ability to detect and resolve faults before they disrupt service. The model of self-optimising infrastructure is designed to ensure consistent connectivity across rural and urban areas, improving access to digital services for both businesses and residents.

AI-enabled automation and data platforms are expected to support  new digital services and governance models across the state. Sarawak’s government has highlighted digital inclusion and innovation as part of its long-term social and economic roadmap, making the partnership a key step in achieving greater efficiency and sustainability through technology.

Industry 4.0 and cross-sector collaboration

SACOFA and ZTE’s collaborative framework extends to accelerating Industry 4.0 adoption across multiple sectors. Focus areas include manufacturing, government administration, healthcare, education and smart city infrastructure. 

Each initiative will be supported by advanced networking capabilities designed to enhance operational efficiency and decision-making.

The integration of edge computing and cloud architecture will enable faster data transmission and real-time insights across industrial systems. For example, in energy management, smart grid applications will benefit from a more stable data flow and improved system reliability. Similarly, education and healthcare services are expected to leverage digital tools for better information access and remote delivery models.

By working with local enterprises, the partnership aims to foster innovation ecosystems within Sarawak that align with national digital transformation policies. 

The cooperation highlights Malaysia’s broader effort to build digital infrastructure that supports sustainable growth while closing connectivity gaps in less developed regions.

Strengthening Sarawak’s connectivity ecosystem

SACOFA’s existing network forms the backbone of Sarawak’s digital ecosystem. The company manages fibre, wireless and satellite infrastructure that connects communities throughout the state. 

Through the partnership with ZTE, SACOFA plans to extend these capabilities to include next-generation connectivity solutions capable of supporting automation, IoT applications and future smart city projects.

Sarawak’s geography, which combines urban centres with remote and rural areas, presents ongoing challenges for network expansion. 

The collaboration is expected to address these challenges through adaptive technology and targeted deployment strategies.

ZTE’s automation tools and cloud integration frameworks are intended to streamline installation and maintenance while improving service reliability.

Beyond technical implementation, the collaboration contributes to Sarawak’s broader economic agenda. Improved connectivity is seen as key to enabling local entrepreneurship, digital services and cross-border economic collaboration across Borneo and the wider ASEAN region.

Dato Sri Sulaiman adds that the partnership aligns with SACOFA’s broader role as the state’s telecommunication backbone operator, designed to deliver accessible and dependable digital services to all communities.

He says, “SACOFA's network modernisation will provide high-speed connectivity for the people of Sarawak and support a digital-ready future.”