KUCHING, Nov 14: Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology can help preserve and document Sarawak’s indigenous cultural heritage, but they cannot replace the traditional knowledge and wisdom held by indigenous communities, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said that while technology provided new avenues for safeguarding cultural knowledge through digital recordings, multimedia archives, 3D modelling, and online platforms, the knowledge, experiences, and wisdom of local communities remained central to authentic heritage preservation.
“Technology can help us collect and process information, but the knowledge, experience, and wisdom of communities remain the foundation of genuine heritage preservation,” he said in his speech delivered by Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah at the opening of the Borneo Indigenous Festival 2026 at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre last night (Nov 13).
