RM28 Million Allocated To Strengthen Technology-Based Youth Entrepreneurship
KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Sarawak Government has allocated grants and loans amounting to RM28 million to strengthen youth entrepreneurship development while encouraging the establishment of technology-based startups.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said the initiative provides opportunities for young people to showcase their ideas and talents in entrepreneurship, particularly through emerging economic activities with growth potential.
He said the approach was important in shaping a younger generation capable of creating economic opportunities for the community.
“Entrepreneurship begins with startups or new companies. The Government has allocated RM28 million in grants and loans to start small businesses that utilise technology,” he said.
He said this when officiating the Sarawak Youth Week 2026 celebration here on Saturday.
Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari said the opportunities provided could also be utilised to expand small-scale businesses into larger economic activities, including in rural areas.
He said youths must be willing to explore new approaches and leverage technology to create economic activities with long-term prospects.
He also shared the story of Alibaba founder Jack Ma, who he said began his career as a teacher before successfully developing a company based on a business model he learned during his time in the United States.
“If they can do it, I am certain Sarawak can too. Our young people must try and create economic activities that have a bright future,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Sarawak Premier stressed that acquiring knowledge and technology skills, as well as having the courage to explore new fields, were among the important aspects in strengthening young people’s ability to face rapid changes in the global economy.
He added that technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), must be utilised responsibly to develop solutions that benefit society.
Therefore, youth talent and entrepreneurship development should be viewed as a long-term investment to produce a younger generation capable of driving Sarawak’s economy in the future.
Also present were the Sarawak Premier’s daughter Dayang Norjihan, Sarawak Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Sarawak Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Dato Idris Buang, Sarawak Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang, heads of departments and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews
