Awang Zamhari (centre, with banner) gathers for a group photo with department officers and staff members during the celebration in Petra Jaya.

KUCHING (Feb 9): The Sarawak Land and Survey Department (Landas) is set to strengthen its role as a key institution in the state’s development by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation in its operations.

Its director Awang Zamhari Awang Mahmood highlighted this future-oriented service enhancement plan at a gathering of over 450 personnel in conjunction with the department’s 107th anniversary and Chinese New Year celebration here recently.

“The Sarawak Land and Survey Department is no longer just an administrative body—we are a crucial institution in Sarawak’s progress, ensuring efficient land management, strategic infrastructure development, and the continued well-being of the people.

“To uphold this role, we must embrace modernisation by making data-driven decisions and integrating artificial intelligence into our operations,” he said in his speech at the event.

Awang Zamhari also announced of the upcoming Landas Summit 2025, which is set to be held this Feb 24 to 26.

The summit, he said, would concentrate on discussions about leveraging AI to drive significant changes in the department’s operations, in line with the Sarawak government’s development strategy to enhance service efficiency, transparency, and accessibility by 2030.

“To achieve this, the department is committed to accelerating the digitisation of work processes through innovation platforms like the Innovative and Creative Group (KIK).

“This includes leveraging AI and big data for better monitoring, development planning, and faster information delivery,” he said.

“We are also strengthening data integration across divisions to minimise redundancy and discrepancies, while cultivating an innovation-driven culture by equipping our personnel with data analytics and emerging technology skills,” he added.

In acknowledging the department’s legacy over the past 107 years, Awang Zamhari reiterated that transformation is ‘no longer an option’ but a ‘necessity’.

With the department’s guiding principles of efficiency, intelligence, and cohesion, he expressed confidence that it would achieve greater milestones in the years ahead.