Sarawak Pay to rebrand, sets sights on global market

Abang Johari delivers his keynote address at the GLC Leaders’ Dialogue with Temasek Holdings Singapore at held at SCOPE, Kuching today (Oct 29, 2019).

By Peter Sibon

KUCHING, Oct 29: Sarawak Pay will be rebranded to allow it to be used globally, starting next month, revealed Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said Sarawak Pay will be rebranded as ‘S Pay’, which could mean either ‘Sarawak Pay’ or ‘Smart Pay’ as it would collaborate with Union Pay to enable it to be used worldwide.


“Starting next month ‘S Pay’ can be used anywhere — as long as they accept Union Pay, they will accept Sarawak Pay.

“We want our mobile payment (system) to be global in nature, that’s not just confined to Sarawak only. That’s why we will use ‘S Pay’ just like Gojek,” Abang Johari told the media after attending the “GLC Leaders’ Dialogue with Temasek Holdings Singapore” event at Sarawak Centre of Performance Excellence (SCOPE) here today.

He reiterated that the state government has decided to use ‘S Pay’ which will be similar to Visa cards.

“We have asked people to study it, people who are expert in marketing,” he said, adding that currently, there are over 100,000 Sarawak Pay users.

Regional Corridor of Development Authority’s chief executive officer Datu Ismawi Ismuni poses a question to Chua (seated third left) and Law (seated left). Also in the panel is Abang Johari (seated second left). The panel of discussion is moderated by Deputy State Financial Officer Datuk Wan Lizozman Wan Omar (right).
Abang Johari (second left) presents a souvenir to Chua in the presence of (from left) Deputy State Secretary Datu Dr Sabariah Putit (left), Law and Deputy State Financial Officer Datuk Wan Lizozman Wan Omar (right).

On the business dialogue, the Chief Minister said Sarawak must tap its modern agriculture sector that is based on Internet of Things (IoT).

“The future of the food industry is going to be very bright. When we promoted ‘smart algaculture’ two years ago, it was timely because it is organic. Then we can sell these products with premium prices, as they are free from chemicals. That’s our direction (in agriculture),” he said, adding that Sarawak has exported both tilapia and furniture to Singapore in recent months.

Abang Johari pointed out that modern agriculture has huge market potential and that it could propel Sarawak towards excelling in the sector.

“Now even the federal government is doing it. But we are the first to embark on it,” he said.

Abang Johari (seated fourth left) poses for a group photo with the participants. Also seen are Chua (seated third left) and Law (seated left).

He stressed that with the setting up of the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office in Singapore (Statos), a few months ago, Sarawak has increased it collaboration in bilateral ties with Singapore and that augurs well for trade and investment.

Temasek Holdings Singapore was represented by its managing director for Institutional Relations, Sustainability and Stewardship Group Chua Eu Jin and its director of Institutional Relations, Sustainability and Stewardship Group Law Heng Dean. — DayakDaily

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR