By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Dec 2: Sarawakian entrepreneurs, especially the Bumiputera, need to push themselves to think outside the box of their respective business, market or industry to uncover more opportunities, explore new product development and remain competitive.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg thus urged Bumiputera entrepreneurs to be more innovative and creative to enhance their business growth and development as well as to expand their reach into the global market.
Referring to gula apong which is now being exported to Singapore after local company Kit Hin secured a three-year deal, he noted that more products can be developed from this unique nipah palm sugar of Sarawak for the market.
“We have an abundance of nipah palm in Sarawak which can be processed into ice cream and natural sweeteners.
“I have even tasked Centexs (Centre of Technical Excellence) to use new technology to extract the nipah sap so that we can produce quality palm sugar to be marketed as premium products overseas. At the same time, we can protect our mangrove swamps.
“With a good (business) ecosystem, we must see the opportunities and find ways to develop (more products),” he said when speaking at the launching of Sibu Entrepreneurs Showcase at the Sarawak Islamic Complex hall in Sibu today.
Abang Johari pointed out that young entrepreneurs must have self-confidence, ability to identify opportunities, good planning, focus on achieving goals and practise proper management including over financial resources to be successful.
“This is similar to how I manage Sarawak’s economy which remains strong today amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. So even in the bad times, the government can still help people by rolling out BKSS (Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang) 1-7 amounting to RM5.3 billion,” he added.
He gave assurance that the Sarawak government under his leadership will continue to explore new fields that will positively impact the State’s economy where young people can thrive in all fields, including embracing digital technology.
Meanwhile, the Sibu Entrepreneurs Showcase was an effort by Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) to spur and accelerate local economic growth as well as assist entrepreneurs affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Activities throughout the showcase included branding courses, exhibition and sales of local products and sharing of knowledge and experience by local entrepreneurs.
Assistant Minister of Science and Technological Research Dr Annuar Rapaee, SEDC general manager Abdul Hadi Abdul Kadir and Deputy State Secretary (Socio-Economic Transformation) Dato Sri Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki were among thoe present. — DayakDaily
