By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Sept 27: Sarawak Business Federation (SBF) will organise a “Business Engagement Session with the Chief Minister of Sarawak” at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Oct 8.
SBF president Datuk Abang Abdul Karim Tun Openg said the business engagement session is the culmination of a series of dialogue sessions organised by the Sarawak Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI), previously held in Sibu, Bintulu and Miri.
“SBF welcomes participation from the business community to address and discuss matters, which affect them and the development of Sarawak,” he told a press conference, here, today.
Themed “Journey to 2030”, the forum aims to congregate and engage the business community in Sarawak on the same platform to discuss the transformation that will gear and steer Sarawak to 2030 for key industry players, he added.
“It also acts as the bridge to the private and public sectors working towards 2030. The session will be moderated by SBF deputy president Datuk Dr Philip Ting,” he continued.
Abdul Karim said that the session will include a panel of discussion on subjects pertinent to the “Journey Towards 2030″.
The key speakers slated for the forum included Universiti Malaya Faculty of Economics and Administration Prof Dr Fatimah Karl with her topic “Socio-economic transformation of Sarawak towards 2030 and its challenges”, as well as he state legal counsel Dato Sri Fong Joo Chung, who will speak on MA63 and what it means to the community.
The keynote address will be made by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, who is expected to grace the event.
Abdul Karim explained that the forum is part of the state’s initiative for continuous engagements with key industry players, as well as providing a platform for constructive feedback and knowledge exchange on the current issues and trends in the business industry.
Touching on the Budget 2020 to be tabled in Parliament on Oct 11, Abdul Karim expressed hope the federal government will give fair allocation for Sarawak, especially for the business community.
“We hope for an increase in the allocation to spur further development here so that our business community can benefit,” he said, while adding that it is important to support the business community so that Sarawak can progress and become a developed state by 2030.
Meanwhile, the event expected to attract about 500 participants from both the private and government sectors.
Tickets, at RM100 per person, can also be obtained from SBF affiliated bodies, he continued.
Ting, SBF vice-presidents Datuk Abang Helmi Ikhwan and Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum were present.
For further enquiry on the forum, do contact SBF Secretariat at 082-237148. — DayakDaily
