BUILDING a stronger generation of local entrepreneurs and equipping them with future-ready skills should be among Sarawak’s top priorities as the state advances towards becoming a developed, innovation-driven economy, according to Sarawak Entrepreneur Association president Nizam Khalyd.
Speaking to Sarawak Tribune, Nizam said that while Sarawak has made significant progress in attracting major investments and multinational corporations, equal attention must now be given to ensuring local businesses are able to grow alongside the state’s rapid economic transformation.
“A resilient and sustainable economy is not built by large corporations alone. It thrives when local entrepreneurs and SMEs are equipped with the knowledge, confidence and capability to compete, innovate and expand,” he said.
He said strengthening the business ecosystem requires better access to financing, mentorship, skills development, technology adoption, and stronger collaboration between small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and large industry players.
Nizam welcomed the Sarawak government’s commitment to human capital development, citing the RM20 million allocation to the Sarawak Business Federation (SBF) to strengthen training and upskilling programmes, in addition to an earlier RM20 million allocation introduced to support post-pandemic business recovery through workforce development initiatives.
He said such investments would facilitate greater knowledge transfer between established corporations and local enterprises, enabling SMEs to meet industry standards, become more competitive and integrate into Sarawak’s expanding industrial ecosystem.
From the perspective of entrepreneurs, Nizam said the greatest impact on the lives of Sarawakians would come from creating more opportunities for people to build sustainable businesses and meaningful careers.
“We need to continue developing our local talent, especially among the younger generation, and encourage more people to explore entrepreneurship,” he said.
He added that many entrepreneurs possess the passion, determination and ideas to succeed but often lack the exposure, networks and support systems needed to scale their businesses.
“When local businesses grow, the benefits go beyond business success. They create employment opportunities, strengthen local communities and contribute to a stronger Sarawak economy. Ultimately, development should be about creating opportunities that improve the lives of Sarawakians.”
Looking ahead over the next decade, Nizam identified renewable energy, the digital economy, green technology, advanced manufacturing, sustainable agriculture, food security, tourism and the emerging hydrogen economy as sectors with the greatest potential to drive Sarawak’s economic growth.
However, he believes the state’s biggest challenge will be preparing its workforce for an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence (AI), automation and robotics.
“Rather than competing with technology, we must equip Sarawakians with skills that technology cannot easily replicate,” he said.
He said future workers should focus on developing leadership, critical thinking, creativity, innovation, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, negotiation, relationship building, entrepreneurship, strategic decision-making and adaptability.
Nizam also stressed that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) will remain crucial despite rapid advances in AI.
He said skilled professionals such as electricians, welders, instrumentation technicians, automation specialists, mechatronics technicians, machinists, maintenance engineers and renewable energy technicians will continue to be in high demand as Sarawak expands its industrial base.
“The future of TVET is no longer about low-skilled labour. It is about producing highly competent professionals capable of operating, maintaining, troubleshooting and improving advanced technologies used in modern industries,” he said.
Even as AI improves efficiency, Nizam said human expertise remains indispensable in areas involving safety, quality assurance, complex decision-making and real-world problem-solving.
“The next decade should not simply be about embracing AI. It should be about developing people with the technical expertise, practical experience and human judgement that technology cannot replace.”
To help local businesses tap into opportunities created by the state’s expanding digital economy, renewable energy and green industries, Nizam encouraged entrepreneurs to actively participate in business chambers and industry associations, where they can access networking, business matching, mentorship, training and upskilling opportunities.
He also urged businesses to leverage initiatives such as BizFund and other government support programmes while embracing continuous learning, adopting new technologies, improving operational efficiency and building strategic partnerships.
“Businesses that are adaptable, well-connected and future-ready will be best positioned to seize these emerging opportunities,” he said.
Nizam said his long-term aspiration is to see more Sarawak entrepreneurs become resilient, innovative and globally competitive.
“Sarawak has immense potential, and I believe our ambition should be to build an economy as diversified as Peninsular Malaysia and as advanced as Singapore by nurturing world-class local businesses,” he said.
He said the association will continue connecting businesses, fostering collaboration and creating platforms that support entrepreneurs through mentorship, networking, skills development, financing and market access.
“Ultimately, I hope to see more homegrown Sarawak companies becoming regional and international champions, creating quality jobs, driving innovation and proving that Sarawak entrepreneurs can compete successfully on the global stage,” he added.
