KUCHING: Sarawak’s growing economic opportunities are drawing greater interest from entrepreneurs in Peninsular Malaysia, with a three-day business learning and exchange programme aimed at strengthening East-West business linkages.
The programme, themed “East Malaysia Business Learning Tour 2.0”, brought together the National Young Entrepreneurs Bureau of the SME Association of Malaysia (SME Malaysia) and 18 entrepreneurs from West Malaysia to Kuching from Aug 12 to 14.
Hosted by the SME Association of Sarawak (SME Sarawak), the programme provided entrepreneurs from both regions with opportunities to better understand Sarawak’s development direction, explore emerging business opportunities and establish potential partnerships.
SME Sarawak president Jordan Ong Chung Siang said the association hoped the programme would lead to lasting business relationships and greater collaboration between entrepreneurs from East and West Malaysia.
“Beyond gaining a better understanding of Sarawak’s development direction and business opportunities, we hope this visit will create lasting relationships, encourage greater collaboration and open doors for partnerships between businesses from both sides of Malaysia.
“As Sarawak continues to grow, there is tremendous potential for SMEs to work together in areas such as investment, market access, technology, knowledge sharing and business expansion,” he said in a statement.
Ong added that SME Sarawak would continue to serve as a bridge between the two business communities by creating platforms for entrepreneurs to connect, learn and grow together.
A key component of the programme was an engagement with Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who is also Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government.
The session provided the visiting entrepreneurs with first-hand insights into Sarawak’s development priorities, economic direction and opportunities for businesses to participate in the State’s continued growth.
The delegation also held a roundtable with Deputy Minister for Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development (Entrepreneur Development) Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, focusing on the Sarawak Youth Startup (SYStartUP) initiative.
Participants were briefed on Sarawak’s approach to developing young entrepreneurs through training in areas including business models, financial management, branding, marketing, certification, product validation and business pitching.
Beyond government engagements, the delegation visited Serapi Farm and SaraNest Sarawak Borneo Bird Nest to gain first-hand exposure to local business operations, entrepreneurship and industry development.
The programme culminated in the East-West Malaysia Business Networking Night at the Sheraton Hotel Kuching, which brought together nearly 70 entrepreneurs and business representatives from Sarawak and West Malaysia.
The event was also attended by Padawan Municipal Council chairman Tan Kai and Sarawak Business Federation president Datuk Jonathan Chai Voon Tok.
The delegation comprised business leaders from various states, including SME Malaysia national vice-presidents Datuk Ada Poon, Datuk Miccele Siow and Sam Tsen; National Young Entrepreneurs Bureau chairman Teh Gaik Cheong and deputy chairman Dr Jennifer Ong; SME Negeri Johor president Dr Darren Lim; SME Negeri Sembilan president Dr Jamie Chin; and organising chairperson Melise Chew.
SME Sarawak said stronger East-West business connections could create new opportunities in investment, partnerships, market access, knowledge exchange and business expansion.
Through initiatives such as the business learning tour, the association aims to strengthen Sarawak’s entrepreneurial ecosystem while positioning local SMEs to play a more active role in the wider Malaysian business landscape.
