By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Jan 15: Kuching Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCGCCI) has launched its KCGC Innovation Hub with the aim to foster young entrepreneurs to assist the Sarawak government in developing Sarawak.
Organising chairman Rodger Chan revealed that KCGCCI was the first Chamber of Commerce in Kuching to open an innovation hub that adopted digital technology.
“We are the first Chamber of Commerce in Sarawak to use e-wallet via Sarawak Pay, which is an important part of e-commerce. Digital monetary transactions are essential part and parcel of commerce today and tomorrow.
“I understand Malaysia government is looking at issuing licence for digital bank and thus hope Sarawak would also consider setting up a digital bank for the good of Sarawak digital economy,” he suggested.
Chan highlighted this at the opening ceremony of the innovation hub which was officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg at the chamber headquarters today.
He also hopes that the state government will provide ‘special angpow’ to the innovation hub so that they could further enhance the facilities and provide programmes to nurture young entrepreneurs.
Meanwhile, KCGCCI president Datuk Tan Jit Kee emphasised that the organisation can support the development of Sarawak, especially in the e-commerce industry.
“The hub will provide an important platform for young entrepreneurs to build up their knowledge, skills and network,” he said.
However, Tan also noted the main challenges faced on ways to attract young people to join them as well as to provide assistance and share experience with them in their start-up journey.
“But we have a large number of members within KCGCCI, Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Sarawak (ACCCIS), and Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM).
“Most of them are successful entrepreneurs and businessmen who can provide advice and transfer skills to the young entrepreneurs,” he said with optimism.
KCGCCI also pledged its continuous support to the efforts of the Sarawak government in fighting for Sarawak rights and interests under Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), especially in the oil and gas industries.
“Under the leadership of Chief Minister, we must be united and firmly believe that the state government will fight for our rights without compromise,” Tan said.
He also urged the federal government to return the rights based on the agreement set prior to the formation of Malaysia.
“We will also give our full support to the ‘Sarawakku Sayang, Jaga Sarawak, Intu Sarawak’ initiative recently launched by our Chief Minister, to ensure and protect our harmony for progress in Sarawak,” he added.
Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Transport Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Sebastian Ting, and MBKS mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng were present. —DayakDaily
