By Jaythaleela K
MIRI, Mar 1: Dayak entrepreneurs ought to embrace technology to transforms their businesses, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“The trend today is that small and medium-sized businesses do their transactions by harnessing technology,” he told some 800 guests at Gagasan Anak Dayak Sarawak Association (GADS) dinner cum Gawai Dayak Bazaar pre-launching here last night.
His text-of-speech was read out by Deputy Speaker Dato Gerawat Gala, who is also Mulu assemblyman.
Abang Johari said the Internet of Things (IoT), for instance, had created efficiencies in everyday activities; hence, local businesses must tap its power.
On GADS, he said it was a platform for Dayaks who are keen to venture into business.
“I strongly believe it can help propel the Dayak community’s income, thereby narrowing the income gap between those living in the rural areas with those in urban areas,” he opined.
This year’s GADS’s Gawai Dayak Bazaar in May is expected to host about 200 entrepreneurs. During its debut in 2015, only 50 entrepreneurs participated.
During the dinner, GADS received grants totalling RM130,000. Of the amount, RM50,000 was from Abang Johari, RM30,000 from Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, RM20,000 from Assistant Minister of Local Government Datu Dr Penguang Manggil, RM20,000 from Gerawat, and RM5,000 each from Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau and Sibuti MP Lukanisman Awang Sauni.
Meanwhile, GADS president Vicky Gulin Shandom, in his opening remarks, requested the state government to allocate a site for the association to hold the bazaar. — DayakDaily
