By Ling Hui
KUCHING, Nov 11: Sarawakian-developed digital e-commerce platform dBazzar can also be on a par with Alibaba, provided that the necessary digital infrastructure from production to delivery is available.
Confident that dBazzar would one day progress into a prominent app from Sarawak, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the platform marked the transformation of the way businesses are done locally.
Instead of dealing only domestically, he said Sarawakian-owned e-commerce platforms like dBazzar could potentially reach out internationally especially when Sarawak is rich with products unique to the rest of the globe.
“What’s important in e-commerce? First, your production, then quality, big data, smooth transaction and finally delivery to customers. This is the chain of any e-commerce platform.
“So, we need to have good infrastructure. Now, we are in the 5G era, meaning the (internet) speed must be there. Second, the infrastructure must be linked to international hubs.
“The line must be linked either through Singapore, Hong Kong or straight to the North as well as to the US because your (target) market is global,” he said.
Another important component toward a successful e-commerce platform that Abang Johari pointed out was delivery infrastructure.
He said a delivery system must be equipped to cater to overseas clients and customers, and this is one of the areas the Sarawak government is seriously looking into.
While the State government works toward bridging Sarawak with the outside world to enable more business transactions, he called upon the youth of Sarawak to stay focused on producing more innovative ideas, contributing to the State’s vision in digital economy.
On a related note, Abang Johari said the Sarawak government has already submitted its application to Bank Negara to form Sarawak’s own digital bank.
“If it is approved, then we (Sarawak) will have our own digital bank. These digital infrastructures will then become the enablers to develop e-commerce and grow apps in Kuching that could command the world,” he said when launching dBazzar at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here today.
dBazzar, a SuperApp created, developed and owned by Sarawakians, is an all-in-one digital platform combining e-business directory, e-commerce, e-logistics, e-loyalty, and e-rewards.
dBazzar is also a movement in collaboration with Sarawak’s first e-wallet platform S Pay Global and Sarawak Information Systems (Sains), aimed at providing a true digital lifestyle experience.
Those who also attended the launching ceremony were Sains chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan, Minister for Local Government and Housing Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, and Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Jaul Samion. — DayakDaily
