KUCHING: Homegrown retailer Farley has the potential to grow beyond Sarawak and emulate the success of global retail giant Walmart, with opportunities opening up through Sarawak’s expanding trade presence in the region, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said Walmart’s success story demonstrates how a company can grow from humble beginnings in rural communities into a major international business.
“In the United States, there is a company called Walmart. Walmart started with village outlets. The villagers supplied the merchandise and it was sold in those stores.
“Today, Walmart has become one of the top companies listed on the US stock exchange,” he said after a walkabout session for the Sumbangan Keperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS) programme and the grand opening of Farley Garden Kuching here today (June 20).
He said Farley should seize the opportunity to expand its footprint while embracing innovation and sustainability as consumer lifestyles continue to evolve.
He also encouraged Farley to incorporate green technologies into its future developments and position itself as a smart retail brand originating from Sarawak.
“I hope Farley will also become smart. If possible, include green technology in your developments and Farley will become a smart Farley.
“If Farley becomes smart, then all of us become smart because it carries the brand of a Sarawak store that is a smart store,” he said.
Abang Johari also pointed to new opportunities for regional expansion following Sarawak’s decision to establish the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office in Pontianak, Kalimantan.
He said the office would serve as a strategic gateway for Sarawak businesses seeking to penetrate the Indonesian market.
“We have agreed to establish the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office in Pontianak. We already have offices in Brunei and Singapore, and Pontianak will be next.
“That will become your connection to Kalimantan and perhaps one day you can have a Farley in Pontianak,” he said.
Abang Johari also assured that the Sarawak government would continue to facilitate efforts that strengthen local businesses and help Sarawak brands expand beyond the state’s borders.
