FLock.io is the Sole Technical Partner in a Sovereign AI MoU between Sarawak and UK
Manchester, UK, May 26th, 2026, Chainwire
FLock.io is the sole technical partner in a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre (SAIC) at the UK-Sarawak strategic roundtable in Manchester. The aim is to advance sovereign AI in Sarawak through federated learning (FL) and privacy-preserving AI infrastructure.
FLock.io, a London-based AI infrastructure and research company, was the first in the world to use FL to train and fine-tune a language model on indigenous languages. Following the success of its proof of concept in Sarawak, Malaysia, this MoU marks a transition from experiment to enhanced collaboration between Sarawak and the UK with expanded real-life use case possibilities.
FL is a privacy-preserving method that allows AI models to be trained collaboratively across multiple data sources without transferring raw data to a central server. FLock.io trained a model on Sarawak Malay data using in-country devices without sending raw data to a foreign, central server. It showed how FL can improve local public sector services in any country with data from the same region, instead of relying on tech corporations.
The signing took place with representatives of the Greater Manchester authorities, including the UK Trade Envoy to Indonesia and ASEAN Naz Shah and MP for Manchester Rusholme Afzal Khan, at the British Muslim Heritage Centre. It formed part of the Premier of Sarawak Abang Johari’s work trip to the UK and Ireland, viewed as a mission to position Sarawak as an AI leader in high-growth economies.
“FLock.io is the first in the world to use federated learning to train and fine-tune a language model using indigenous languages,” said Mo Marikar, Head of Institutional Development at FLock.io. The Premier echoed strong support for federated learning as a foundation in sovereign AI.
The MoU between Unitas Global Advisory and Sarawak leverages FL as its core technological pillar to achieve truly sovereign AI while keeping data localised and secure. Through research partnerships with UK universities, SAIC is now laying the foundation for a green, sovereign AI economy based on local data, renewable energy and local governance. FLock.io will deliver the FL infrastructure to allow AI models to be improved without sensitive data leaving its local jurisdiction.
The collaboration aims to position Sarawak as an AI leader, operating with distinct regional aspirations to build a robust AI ecosystem through UK-based academic and governmental ties. The strategy is part of the state’s long-term development framework under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
In his keynote address, the Premier emphasised that AI has been economically transformative throughout the industry’s journey – beginning with generative AI before progressing to agentic AI, and now “strategic AI” that uses agents to execute plans is the next stage. “Artificial intelligence is the key. Over the past ten years, it has changed the entire economy. I believe it will go even further toward strategic intelligence.”
He noted that the current technological shift is being driven by the evolution of microchips and data storage, and described data as a new resource that serves as the major source for economic advancement.
A Multi-City Strategic Roadmap
The Manchester event is the first in a series of high-profile engagements across the UK. Subsequent events are scheduled at Cambridge and Oxford universities this week, with another event in Bristol having taken place.
In Cambridge, the discussions will focus on AI’s impact on labour markets, trade, financial systems, climate economics and public policy.
In Oxford, the roundtables will deepen exchange between the university ecosystem and AI security, verification, autonomous AI systems, healthcare AI and governance architecture.
Recognition of Collaborative Excellence
Certificates of appreciation were awarded to FLock.io’s researchers and advisors, signifying the importance of FLock’s decentralised AI work to Sarawak’s AI roadmap.
The collaboration between SAIC, Unitas and partners like FLock.io and UK universities represents a multi-stakeholder ecosystem dedicated to ensuring that the benefits of the AI revolution are shared equitably across the globe.
About SAIC
The Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre (SAIC) is the state’s governmental organisation for AI research, development and commercialisation in Sarawak, Malaysia. It focuses on economic growth, social inclusivity, and technological sovereignty.
About FLock.io
FLock.io is a pioneer in federated learning, providing a platform for decentralised AI training that prioritises data privacy and democratises access to machine learning capabilities.
About Unitas Global Advisory
Unitas Global Advisory is a UK-based strategic advisory firm with deep expertise in international partnership development, economic diplomacy and ecosystem building. It provides guidance and connectivity for high-impact technology projects, bridging the gap between innovative startups and government-level initiatives.