KUCHING: The Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (TEGAS) is intensifying efforts to ensure TVET and STEM graduates are not merely job seekers, but job creators through the development of a robust startup ecosystem.

Sarawak Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, and Chairman of TEGAS, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, stated that platforms are being specifically provided for youth in digital and technical-vocational fields to spark innovation and build their own startups.

“This is why TEGAS, as a non-governmental agency fully funded by the Sarawak Government, collaborates with government agencies such as SMA, SDEC, and others to be a catalyst for digital adoption and the development of startups centered on digital and technical education,” he said.

He spoke to reporters following the flag-off of the LCDA Sapphire Run 1.0 with the Community at Padang Merdeka here on Sunday.

TEGAS programmes are increasingly focused on technical, vocational, and digital fields to empower Sarawak’s youth to be more competitive in the new economy.

The agency collaborates with over 60 strategic partners from both government and private sectors to implement initiatives that encourage idea development, innovation, and the establishment of youth-led startups.

Datuk Len Talif informed that the development of the TEGAS Digital Village is being expanded to include infrastructure such as hotels and lodges to support "digital nomads" and strengthen Sarawak's digital ecosystem.

This expansion is expected to be realised within the next two and a half to three years, creating an integrated hub where local and international professionals can work, stay, and conduct daily activities in one comprehensive location.

Also in attendance were LCDA General Manager Datu Sr Zaidi Mahdi, North Kuching City Commission (DBKU) Mayor Dato Hilmy Othman, and several other high-ranking state officials. — UKASnews

Prepared by: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Photo: Nabilla
Translator: Ryan Lim