Indigenous communities across Borneo have been urged to strengthen unity while embracing artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies to help shape their own future.
Borneo Dayak Forum (BDF) secretary-general Agustinus Clarus said solidarity was crucial for Indigenous communities to make progress in key areas including the economy, education, culture and technology.
He said communities must work together if they wanted to have a greater say in determining their future, stressing that unity would be essential to achieving meaningful progress.
Agustinus made the remarks while representing National Dayak Customary Council (MADN) president Marthin Billa at the 2026 Sabah World Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Shoas) celebration at the Koisaan Cultural Village (KCV), KDCA Hongkod Koisaan (Unity Centre), on Saturday. The event was officiated by BDF president Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan.
The celebration, themed “Indigenous Peoples and AI”, highlighted the importance of ensuring Indigenous communities are not left behind as technology continues to develop.
Agustinus encouraged Dayak communities to become what he described as “global Dayak” by developing their knowledge of technologies linked to the fifth industrial revolution, including the internet, big data, the Internet of Things and AI.
He said AI should be viewed as a tool that could support human capabilities and help Dayak communities prepare for future challenges and opportunities.
At the same time, he said Indigenous education should not focus solely on preserving traditional practices. Instead, cultural knowledge should be connected with modern fields such as coding, AI and other emerging technologies.
Agustinus stressed that communities must keep up with technological developments around the world while preserving their cultural identity and heritage.
He also warned that traditional knowledge and cultural heritage could gradually disappear if solidarity and togetherness among Indigenous communities were lost.
According to Agustinus, the BDF was formed following discussions among Dayak leaders more than a decade ago over economic, social, cultural and political issues affecting Indigenous communities across Borneo.
He said the forum had since played a role in bringing Dayak communities together and strengthening awareness of their shared roots. The next challenge, however, is to determine how that unity can be translated into stronger positions in education, technology, culture and the economy.
Agustinus also called on Indigenous organisations and other stakeholders to work together as strategic partners while strengthening their presence across media and digital platforms.
He urged Dayak communities to expand their reach internationally and gain a stronger understanding of AI, while also encouraging unity across ethnic and religious differences in pursuit of common objectives.
Meanwhile, Shoas 2026 Implementation and Coordination Committee chairman Andrew Ambrose @ Atama Katama said the gathering was not simply about remembering the past but also about shaping the future.
He said the theme reflected the need for Indigenous peoples to have a voice in technological development, with technology used to safeguard languages, strengthen traditional knowledge, respect community consent and uphold Indigenous rights.
