SDI was established on 2 November 1995. It is registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee and not having a Share Capital under the Companies Act, 1965, Malaysia. As an autonomous non-profit research institute, it is entrusted to undertake inter-disciplinary research on pertinent development issues related to the state and nation for policy inputs to the government and private organisations / clients.

SDI's Objectives:

The principal objective of SDI is to provide independent and objective inputs to complement the decision and policy-making process in Sarawak.

The specific objectives are to:

• Undertake inter-disciplinary research for policy inputs to the government and other clients;
• Provide an avenue for professionals and other practitioners to discuss, exchange views and opinions facing the State and nation through conferences, seminars, workshops, dialogues and lectures;
• Disseminate information, knowledge and findings to the public through both formal and informal channels;
• Network with other institutions with similar interests, in and outside Malaysia to facilitate the flow of information and knowledge.

The priority focus areas of SDI are: