KUCHING: The Kuching Waterfront will host the Sarawak Digital Mall (SDM) Pesta Lokal from January 23 to 24.
The two-day festival, running from 10 am to 11pm daily, marks the culmination of a 1.5-year collaboration between the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) and TikTok Shop Malaysia aimed at equipping Sarawakian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to compete in the national digital marketplace.
A key highlight of the event is the crowning of Sarawak’s first-ever Sarawak Digital Mall Icon, recognising a local business that demonstrates digital excellence, growth and national market potential.
SDEC chief executive officer Datuk Ir Ts Sudarnoto Osman said Pesta Lokal reflects the resilience and determination of Sarawak’s entrepreneurs who have embraced digital transformation.
“Pesta Lokal is a celebration of resilience and the ‘extra mile’ taken by our entrepreneurs.
“It brings to life the progress made over the past 18 months and shows how Sarawak’s unique identity is expressed through modern digital commerce,” he said.
Under the Sarawak Digital Mall initiative led by SDEC, with support from TikTok Shop Malaysia and the Ministry for International Trade, Industry and Investment, Sarawak (MINTRED), hundreds of local entrepreneurs have received structured training, livestreaming exposure and access to social commerce tools to expand their reach beyond Sarawak.
In addition to the SDM Icon Recognition and Awards Ceremony, the festival will feature Sarawak Seller Excellence Awards honouring achievements in categories such as Top Livestreamer and Best New Seller.
Visitors can also explore the Local Seller Marketplace, showcasing Sarawak-made products and allowing the public to engage directly with entrepreneurs behind digital storefronts.
Live selling sessions will be hosted on-site by top-performing Sarawakian sellers and Malaysian brands, alongside a Creator-Matchmaking Programme connecting Sarawakian creators with sellers from Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia to strengthen East-West collaborations.
TikTok Shop Malaysia senior director of strategic partnership Nur Azre Abd Aziz said the company remains committed to empowering local MSMEs and creators to unlock opportunities in the digital economy through a sustainable e-commerce ecosystem.
The event will be officially launched on January 23 at 7.30 pm by Deputy Premier and Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan, on behalf of the Premier.
