KUCHING: Sarawak’s stateowned enterprises have been urged to help widen Bumiputera participation in key growth sectors.
Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Chamber (DUBS) president Datuk Abang Helmi Ikhwan said DUBS fully supported the call by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to broaden their role beyond financial performance.
He said the Premier’s vision reflected Sarawak’s commitment to ensuring that economic growth was inclusive, sustainable and beneficial to all Sarawakians, particularly the Bumiputera community.
“DUBS believes that SOEs have a strategic role that extends beyond generating profits.
“As key drivers of economic development, they must serve as platforms that create opportunities for local entrepreneurs, strengthen business capabilities, and facilitate greater participation of Bumiputera businesses in high-value industries.
“As Sarawak advances its economic transformation agenda through investments in renewable energy, the digital economy, green technology, infrastructure development, and other strategic industries, it is imperative that local Bumiputera entrepreneurs are not left behind but are empowered to become active participants and contributors to this growth,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
He pointed out that many local entrepreneurs had the talent, determination and potential to succeed, but access to markets, technology, financing and participation in larger industrial supply chains remained significant challenges.
“What Bumiputera entrepreneurs seek is not dependency, but fair opportunities to build capacity, enhance competitiveness, and demonstrate their capabilities in an increasingly demanding marketplace,” he said.
In response, he said DUBS strongly supported initiatives such as vendor development programmes, strategic partnerships, inclusive procurement practices and capacity-building efforts that could provide Bumiputera businesses with meaningful opportunities to grow and compete.
“Active engagement by SOEs in developing local vendors and supporting enterprise growth would contribute significantly to building a stronger and more resilient Bumiputera business community in Sarawak.”
Helmi also welcomed the Premier’s emphasis on maintaining strong corporate governance, financial sustainability and operational excellence within SOEs.
“Profitability and Bumiputera empowerment should not be viewed as competing objectives.
“On the contrary, financially strong and well-managed SOEs are better positioned to fulfil their developmental responsibilities and contribute meaningfully to the state’s broader economic aspirations.
“The true measure of economic success is not solely reflected in corporate earnings or investment figures.
“It is also reflected in our ability to nurture entrepreneurs, develop local talent, create quality employment opportunities, and build a generation of Sarawakian business leaders capable of competing on the national and international stage,” he said.
He assured that DUBS remained committed to working closely with the Sarawak government, SOEs, industry stakeholders and the wider business community to advance the state’s inclusive development agenda.
“The aim was to ensure that Bumiputera entrepreneurs continued to play a meaningful role in shaping Sarawak’s economic future.”
