KUCHING: The SAGO Incubator 2026 programme is set to strengthen the growth of micro and small entrepreneurs in Sarawak, particularly in the food and beverage sector.
Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, said micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) remain a crucial pillar of the state’s economy, generating employment and stimulating local business activities.
He said more than 90 per cent of businesses in Sarawak are MSMEs, with a large portion operating in the service industry, especially the food and beverage sector.
“Small businesses often begin with simple ideas. Many successful companies today started from small kitchens, roadside stalls, or humble beginnings that grew through determination and innovation,” he said.
He said this during a press conference on the SAGO Incubator 2026 call for applications at ICube ICOM Square Tower B at ICOM Square today.
Dr Ripin encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those interested in establishing food-related businesses, to take advantage of the opportunity offered by the SAGO Incubator 2026 programme.
He said that initiatives such as the SAGO Incubator programme are vital as they go beyond basic entrepreneurship training by providing mentoring, structured guidance and direct access to market opportunities.
“When entrepreneurs receive the right ecosystem of support, their chances of building sustainable and successful businesses become much higher,” he added.
According to him, the initiative also supports Sarawak’s long-term development vision under the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), which focuses on nurturing local talent, strengthening entrepreneurship and promoting inclusive economic growth across the state.
Among those present at the press conference were SAGO Group Sdn Bhd director Arif Abdul Rahman, Sarawak Heritage and Culinary Arts Association representative Laura Bara Sim and iCube Innovation Sdn Bhd founder Datuk Patrick Liew.
