KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED) is looking at potential collaboration with small and medium enterprise (SME) groups to expand networking opportunities for young entrepreneurs in Sarawak.
Deputy Minister, Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat said the possibility arose following a meeting with representatives of the SME Association of Malaysia and entrepreneurs from several states earlier today.
The delegation comprised entrepreneurs from Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Sabah and Sarawak who were visiting the state as part of a networking initiative.
“This is one positive example that we can look at, and perhaps in our efforts to develop the Sarawak Youth StartUp (SYStartup) programme, we can collaborate with them as they have their own strengths.
“They have also looked into the SYStartup programme under the ministry. We hope our entrepreneurs will be able to go further in expanding their existing businesses, including those who are just starting out,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the Youth Marketplace 2026 at Dewan Suarah Samarahan here today.
The marketplace, held in conjunction with Youth Week, involves 30 entrepreneurs and provides them with an avenue to introduce and market their products directly to consumers.
Ripin said the initiative was intended to encourage young entrepreneurs to develop their businesses while generating additional income.
He said participation in such programmes should also encourage entrepreneurs to continuously improve their products to meet market expectations.
“Our entrepreneurs must remain committed to improving their products so that they can meet market needs and customer demand.
“This includes quality, taste and packaging, as well as research and development and marketing methods,” he said.
Ripin also encouraged entrepreneurs to move beyond conventional marketing by strengthening their use of digital platforms.
He said capacity building was equally important to enable businesses to produce quality products in sufficient quantities to meet demand.
Products should also comply with relevant standards, he added, to strengthen their marketability and help entrepreneurs generate higher income.
