The Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak Sdn Bhd (CENTEXS) and Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (Huawei Malaysia) have strengthened their strategic collaboration in technology training, innovation and talent development with the launch of CENHUA 2.0, a programme designed to enhance Sarawak’s graduate employability and prepare the workforce for the fast-evolving ASEAN digital economy.

The initiative, launched under a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), will expand joint industry-based certification courses in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), develop academic content enriched with industry case studies, and apply AI tools on CENTEXS’ organisational data. Plans are also in place to introduce Huawei’s Digital Leadership Excellence (DLE) Programme in Sarawak, providing future digital leaders with first-hand exposure to global technology best practices and equipping them to thrive in regional and international arenas.

As part of the collaboration, Huawei will extend mentorship to CENTEXS trainees and graduates through the CENTEXS Invention and Innovation Centre, while also driving targeted initiatives to boost graduate employability and job placements. CENTEXS Chief Executive Officer Dato Haji Syeed Mohd Hussien bin Wan Abd Rahman said the partnership marks an important new phase, with greater focus on areas such as data centres and the development of a Malaysian Large Language Model (LLM). “We have worked with Huawei for the past seven years under ‘CENHUA’, which means moving upwards together. Today’s launch of CENHUA 2.0 signals expansion from Sarawak and Malaysia into ASEAN. Many countries in the region already look to Malaysia as a model, so now is the right time to act,” he said.

He further highlighted that AI integration will become central to CENTEXS’ 104 training programmes across 10 industries, ranging from deep technical expertise in algorithms and datasets to the application of practical AI tools. Echoing this, Huawei Malaysia Chief Executive Officer Simon Sun affirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Sarawak’s digital economy aspirations. “The future is about collaboration, innovation and continuous learning. By combining Huawei’s global expertise with CENTEXS’ strong local foundation, we can empower talent, drive innovation and create sustainable economic value,” he said.

The MoU signing, held during the ASEAN AI Summit 2025, was witnessed by CENTEXS Chief Academic Officer of the Aerospace, Digital & Green Energy Academy Dr Dayang Hanani binti Abang Ibrahim and Huawei Malaysia CEO Simon Sun. Also present were Angkasa Research Technology Centre Business Development Director Dato’ Marina binti Hashim and CENTEXS Commercial Sarawak (CCS) General Manager Mohamad Shahren bin Mohamad Yusri.

Since its establishment in 2017, the CENTEXS–Huawei partnership has played a pivotal role in building Sarawak’s digital talent pool, bridging the urban-rural digital divide and advancing the state’s digital economy agenda. With CENHUA 2.0, both organisations aim to scale their impact, ensuring Sarawakian talent is ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly digitalising ASEAN region.