THE startup landscape in Sarawak is still very much developing its ecosystem.
Startups play a crucial role in expanding the national economy, creating more opportunities, and aiding in development.
They drive innovation and boost employment rates. This importance is emphasised in the Malaysian Digital Economy Blueprint, which aims to reach 5,000 startups by 2025.
The blueprint also aims to attract two unicorns, whether local or international.
With a pool of talented individuals brimming with ideas and untapped potential, the key to successful startups lies in providing timely guidance at various stages, ensuring they have an investor-oriented mindset.
In the final part of this article, New Sarawak Tribune interviewed Datuk Len Talif Salleh, the chairman of Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (TEGAS) and Udin Bujang, its chief executive officer. The purpose was to gain more insight into TEGAS’s role in strengthening the startup community in Sarawak, the results of their efforts, and their future plans.
TEGAS AND ITS ROLE
Delving deeper into TEGAS, it was founded as a charitable trust in 2012, with a focus on promoting technical education and TVET, especially among the youth in Sarawak.
Since 2017, TEGAS has played a crucial role in advancing the digital economy aspirations of the Sarawak government.
This journey led to the establishment of the TEGAS Digital Innovation Hub (TDIH) in 2017, followed by another hub in Bintulu in 2019. The most recent addition, initiated in 2020, was the hub in Miri. This effort culminated in creating the TEGAS Digital Village (TDV) in November 2021, aligning with the digital economy vision endorsed by the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The primary objective? Udin highlighted that it serves as a platform for promoting and empowering digital entrepreneurs, such as early-stage startups and social enterprises, to compete in both local and international markets through programmes implemented by TEGAS.
According to him, all programs are aligned with the Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy 2012-2022 and the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. The establishment of both TDV and TDIH positions TEGAS as a crucial agency in supporting the digital entrepreneur development ecosystem in the state.
In fact, he said that both premises aim to help and support the ecosystem of digital innovation and entrepreneurship while accelerating the growth of startup companies and social entrepreneurs in Sarawak.
“Through TDV and TDIH, we ensure that Sarawak entrepreneurs receive access to co-working spaces, investors, and strategic partners in the TEGAS ecosystem. These resources can help promote the application of digital technology for their businesses,” said Udin.
Furthermore, both establishments offer facilities such as office suites, meeting rooms, event spaces, and auditoriums, all equipped with advanced technology, at reasonable rental prices.
EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY
In order to enhance digital innovation and entrepreneurship in Sarawak, several strategies and initiatives have been developed to ensure that entrepreneurs can participate in digital opportunities.
Udin pointed out that these efforts encompass outreach programmes, which can be carried out in person or online, targeting various communities across the state to make sure everyone can join in.
“The aim is to make sure that everyone can be a part of it.
“For the upcoming TEGAS programmes, we want entrepreneurs from Bintulu and Miri, not just Kuching, to make use of the digital hub in their respective areas. This way, they can take part in the hub’s activities, all meant to assist digital entrepreneurs,” he said.
Udin added that these programmes are designed to directly share information with people who might not have easy access to traditional methods.
Meanwhile, Len noted that the programmes under TEGAS are provided at no cost, with the expectation that entrepreneurs will gain exposure and insights from the industry in return.
“We link them with organisations that have specialised expertise. For example, in coding programmes, we collaborate with companies that excel in coding and software development.”
“We offer a lot of exposure, networking, and financial support to our entrepreneurs,” added Len, who also serves as the Deputy Minister for Urban Development, Land Administration, and Environment.
One of the implemented programmes is the Juh Digital Bootcamp, which falls under the Ministry of International Trade, Industry, and Investment (MINTRED) Sarawak and is supported by TEGAS.
The aim of this programme is to enhance digital skills among the entrepreneurial community in Sarawak.
“Through this programme, entrepreneurs get the chance to develop digital skills and knowledge with experts in the field.
“The programme takes place online and is well-organised, with a focus on the needs of micro, small, and medium-sized businesses,” Udin said.
SHARING KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE IN ALL THINGS TECH
To promote the adoption of comprehensive technology, Udin said that TEGAS has partnered with various organisations, both local and international, using a public-private partnership approach.
He added that this includes universities, government entities, corporates, entrepreneurs, investors, and the wider community.
TDV, he said, acts as a focal point for academics, entrepreneurs, and businesses to meet, share views, and collaborate through programmes like MYStartup NXT Sarawak, among others.
Furthermore, Len highlighted that TEGAS has introduced a specific initiative called the TEGAS Tech Immersion programme. This programme aims to empower local technology talents within the state.
The apprenticeship programme is carried out through collaboration between TEGAS, Yayasan Peneraju Pendidikan Bumiputera, ecosystem partners, and TEGAS alumni.
Through this programme, Len explained that participants can enhance their existing skills while improving critical thinking, thought processes, and practical experience through real projects guided by mentors.
“Among our efforts are structured programmes like accelerator programmes, designed to speed up the growth of startups and social entrepreneurs while preparing them for investments.
“Through these programmes, entrepreneurs can benefit from the guidance provided by industry experts and experienced entrepreneurs. They delve into topics such as business modelling, financial planning, product development, sales strategies, fundraising, and effective pitching techniques.
“Such programmes provide an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs aiming to validate the market viability of their innovative ideas before entering the real market,” said Len.
With the goal of enhancing digital literacy, Udin said that TEGAS has undertaken various initiatives to empower entrepreneurs, including programmes like the #InnovateSarawak Speakers Series.
He noted that this platform brings together industry experts to facilitate focused discussions on digital innovation and entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs receive free digital knowledge from mentors and leading entrepreneurs.
In addition to the Speaker Series, the #InnovateSarawak Workshop Series is also conducted which concentrates on the digital innovation entrepreneurship curriculum for local startups and social businesses.
THE IMPACT OF TEGAS INITIATIVES
Looking at the different plans TEGAS has for startups and social enterprises, it’s clear that there are now 20 companies set up, according to Len.
While a good return on investment (ROI) shows success, Len also pointed out that failures can happen. However, he stressed that success isn’t just about making money. It’s also about gaining exposure and valuable insights from the industry.
He gave an example of a woman entrepreneur from Sri Aman. Even though she faced challenges, she improved herself and achieved a lot after joining a TEGAS programme.
“The experience this entrepreneur gained boosted her confidence in attracting investors.
“So success isn’t only about money but about the knowledge and experience gained.
“Seeing this, we can tell they’re committed to progressing,” said Len.
With technology-based programmes and strong dedication, Len noted positive results.
“They’re genuinely dedicated and excited about what they’ve created.
“And they’ve also helped the local community by making and selling their products, which adds to their success.
“We can see how many people are benefiting from these startups,” he added.
To measure how well these plans work, Udin shared that TEGAS is taking steps like collecting data, assessing programme participants, working with external parties, and continuously improving.
“From TEGAS’s side, we’ll collect feedback on how much these plans help entrepreneurs use digital tech, evaluate the quality of training, and understand their views on the results.
“In terms of working with external parties, TEGAS will get input through partnerships with other groups to make sure the plans work well.
“TEGAS is also ready to make changes based on what we learn, so these plans keep giving entrepreneurs more advantages,” said Udin.
WAY FORWARD – DIGITAL NOMAD AND MORE DIGITAL HUBS
In the pursuit of digital participation, Len said that Tegas would introduce the concept of a digital nomad in the future.
A digital nomad is a remote worker who travels to different locations and often works from co-working spaces, public libraries, and uses wireless devices like smartphones and mobile hotspots to perform their tasks.
Len envisions expanding TDV into a hub that encompasses everything. This hub would cater to digital nomads by providing them with a place to stay, work, eat, and rest all in one location.
He believed that establishing such a well-known hub globally would attract more digital nomads, promoting international interactions and setting a standard for local engagement.
Furthermore, Len also said that the state government is planning to establish digital hubs across the state’s divisions, with ongoing developments in Betong, Sri Aman, and Kapit.
After initiating the first digital hub in Sarikei, Len said that the purpose remains the same: to ensure digital inclusivity by offering exposure and opportunities to rural communities.
“In fact, what the Premier wants is to establish such innovation centres at every district level.
“Even if it’s small, there should be an innovation centre built at the district level so that people in rural areas can access it.
“This way, we can also provide mentoring easily in those centres,” he said.
Udin holds strong hope that all of TEGAS’s initiatives can contribute to realising Digital Sarawak, as envisioned by the Premier.
With support and guidance from TEGAS’s board members, and with Len as the chairman, he also hopes that TEGAS will stay relevant and continue to succeed as an agency, contributing to the progress and prosperity of the people of Sarawak.
