KUCHING, August 29: Sibu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) will finally have its own digital innovation hub to produce technopreneurs, after receiving a RM1 million grant from the state government.
Its president, Dr Hii Sui Cheng, said SCCCI would renovate an entire floor at its complex to house the technology hub to train and support the growth of digital entrepreneurs in the central region to help propel the state’s digital economy agenda.
The renovation is expected to be completed within three months.
“We want to play an integral part in generating a new crop of modern entrepreneurs pursuing opportunities in the e-commerce, digital and technology sectors,” Dr Hii told reporters before paying a courtesy call on Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg at the State Legislative Assembly Complex here yesterday.
During the meeting, the chief minister presented SCCCI with a mock RM1 million cheque.
Dr Hii said the proposed digital innovation hub could house about 30 entrepreneurs, and he welcomed aspiring technopreneurs, regardless of racial background, to make full use of the facilities once it is opened.
On another matter, he encouraged manufacturing entrepreneurs to submit their proposals to SCCCI should they need land to expand their businesses. The chamber has roughly 150 acres of land for the development of Sibu Industrial Estate to support young entrepreneurs.
SCCCI is also looking to acquire land for crop production to support a similar cause, he added.
“As we play our role in contributing to the state’s economic growth, we must encourage and spur the growth of SMEs,” Dr Hii said.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari also presented a RM1 million mock cheque to SJKC Kiew Nang Sibu for the building of two new academic blocks.
Its chairman, Tiong Hock Kieng, who received the cheque at the Chief Minister’s Office, said the proposed four-storey buildings would cost RM5.6 million.
“Our two new schooling blocks will have 32 classrooms in all and would also house computer labs, a meeting room, teacher’s office and dental facilities. Currently, we have about 400 students using 13 classrooms.
“This new addition, once completed within two years, will enable the school to cater for more students,” said Tiong.
He deemed the on-going expansion project as timely because student enrolment had been increasing in tandem with the growth of surrounding residential and commercial areas. — DayakDaily
