SERIAN: Sarawak entrepreneurs recorded RM35 million in transactions within just 30 days through WhatsApp and social media.
Advisor to the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED) Datuk Seri Mohd Naroden Majais said the achievement reflects the increasing readiness of local entrepreneurs to embrace technology and leverage digital platforms to expand their market reach.
“The RM35 million achievement proves that when entrepreneurs make full use of digital technology, market opportunities become much wider.
“The government will continue to strengthen digitalisation initiatives so that more entrepreneurs can increase their income and expand their businesses,” he said when officiating the two-day AI Digital Automation Course, held from Aug 1 to 2 here recently.
Naroden said the encouraging result has also reinforced the Sarawak Government’s commitment to expanding its digital economy agenda by ensuring more entrepreneurs have access to technology, training and the support needed to thrive in the digital marketplace.
According to him, the Sarawak government, through the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) and MINTRED, has rolled out various initiatives to strengthen the state’s digital economy ecosystem, including the establishment of Digital Village in Kuching as a technology showcase and reference centre for entrepreneurs.
Naroden added that financial assistance is also available through the Micro Credit Scheme (SKM), which offers loans of up to RM50,000, as well as grants of up to RM20,000 to help entrepreneurs digitalise their operations, including the purchase of laptops, software and other digital system equipment.
On the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), he urged entrepreneurs to adopt the technology responsibly to enhance productivity and improve business competitiveness.
“Use AI as a tool to support promotions, design product packaging, produce marketing content and obtain market intelligence.
“Let this technology become a catalyst to help businesses grow from micro enterprises into small and medium enterprises, and eventually into larger companies,” he said.
Naroden stressed that mastering AI and digital skills should no longer be viewed as optional, but as an essential requirement for entrepreneurs to remain relevant in an increasingly competitive business environment.
