KUCHING: The Sarawak Entrepreneur Development Coordination Committee (SEDCC) convened for a meeting here on Wednesday, focusing on coordinating entrepreneurial development strategies and strengthening collaboration between Federal and Sarawak agencies.

Chaired by Sarawak Deputy Premier and Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, the meeting also aimed at driving digitalisation among micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to remain competitive in a challenging global economy.

“Under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), Sarawak targets the registration of 10,000 new entrepreneurs and aims for 30,000 MSMEs to adopt digital platforms by 2030.

“Since the implementation of the 12th Malaysia Plan, the Sarawak Government has allocated a total of RM365.7 million for MSME development, with more than 47,400 entrepreneurs benefiting from various government initiatives,” the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (MINTRED) said in a statement.

According to the ministry, MSMEs in Sarawak contribute 18 per cent to the state’s gross domestic product (GDP) and are expected to be further strengthened through programmes and initiatives by both the Federal and Sarawak governments.

In this regard, MINTRED encouraged the MSMEs to enhance their capacity and capabilities to remain competitive globally, especially in facing current challenges.

To this end, the government has outlined several MSME empowerment programmes covering capacity and skills development, financial assistance, product development and marketing, market expansion, and the provision of ecosystems such as industrial parks and business premises.

“In addition to conventional sectors, MSMEs are also encouraged to participate in supply and value chains offered by investors, both Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) and Domestic Direct Investments (DDI), particularly in industrial parks and estates.

“MSMEs are also urged to venture into new economic sectors such as renewable energy development, aerospace, digitalisation, and food security.

“These programmes and initiatives will be coordinated by a Technical Committee led by MINTRED to ensure their impact reaches the targeted groups,” it said.

Meanwhile, the Sarawak Government has introduced ENBASE, a one-stop digital platform to coordinate entrepreneur data and facilitate access to assistance and development programmes.

At the same time, the Jom Regista Bisnes programme continues to be enhanced to encourage formal business registration, particularly among informal entrepreneurs.

The ministry said this initiative enables them to access financing, training, grants, and government support, thereby enhancing business credibility and competitiveness.

“The Sarawak Government remains committed to strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem through an integrated approach, innovation, and digitalisation to ensure sustainable and inclusive economic growth,” it added. -UKASnews