MIRI: The Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Chamber (DUBS) has played a crucial role for four decades in empowering Sarawak Bumiputera entrepreneurs through capacity building, providing business opportunities as well as working closely with the government in boosting the state's economy.

Sarawak Minister for Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said that the strengthening of the state's economy is a result of political stability and the unity of the people allows local entrepreneurs to grow to regional and international levels.

"Sarawak has strong potential in various sectors including agriculture, manufacturing and downstream industries, but the success of the state depends on the existence of more entrepreneurs who are truly competitive, have the courage to explore the export market and are willing to work hard to achieve success," he said.

He said this while speaking at the 63rd Sarawak Day Dinner, DUBS 40th Anniversary and the Miri DUBS Gawai 2026 Appreciation event here on Sunday.

According to the Senadin Assemblyman, the government strongly encourages local entrepreneurs to not only focus on the domestic market, but instead to also develop Sarawak products internationally.

Commenting on the celebration of Sarawak Day, he said the celebration was not just to commemorate the state's history, but rather to remind all citizens of their shared responsibility to ensure that Sarawak's wealth of natural resources, cultural diversity and economic potential are translated into prosperity that future generations can enjoy.

Touching on the air transport sector, Dato Sri Lee said the state government is strengthening the operations of the Sarawak-owned airline in stages and is confident that the move will benefit the people, including by setting fixed fares for certain routes.

The ceremony which was attended by about 200 guests also saw the presence of Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Miri City Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang, DUBS Secretary Jeszamin Dior, Miri Branch DUBS Chairman Mohammad Hafidz Rohani, Pemanca Ujut Rahman and heads of departments. -UKASnews