Abd Karim highlights entrepreneurship as driver of rural devt

KUCHING (Oct 14): Entrepreneurship creates jobs, improves living standards and brings about lasting social change, said Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He said therefore, it is essential that policymakers create an environment conducive for development and growth of such venture.

He said whether it (entrepreneurship) is through leveraging digital technologies, adopting sustainable agricultural practices, or fostering local industries, entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of rural development.

“At the heart of today’s discussions is the idea that entrepreneurship driven by innovation holds the key to overcoming many of these challenges. For rural entrepreneurship to thrive, it is essential that we, as policymakers, create a conducive environment.

“This (policymaking) includes investing in infrastructure, providing access to education and skills training, facilitating financing and ensuring that rural communities are included in national development agendas,” he said when opening the Seventh International Conference on Rural Development and Entrepreneurship (ICORE) 2024, themed ‘Bridging Innovation and Sustainable Entrepreneurship for Vibrant Rural Communities’ at a hotel here today.

This year’s conference was jointly organised by Universiti Utara Malaysia, Hebei University and Universitas Jenderal Soedirman.

Abdul Karim, who is also Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, said it is particularly fitting that this conference takes place in Kuching, Sarawak – a region known for its rich culture, biodiversity and strong rural heritage.

Over the next three days, from Oct 14 to 16, participants are expected to explore ways to empower rural communities, not just in Malaysia but across the world, through innovation and sustainable entrepreneurship.

“As we gather here today, I am reminded of the broader national context within which this conference is taking place. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has made rural development a key focus of his administration, particularly through the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK12) and the Madani framework.

“The RMK12, which charts Malaysia’s development from 2021 to 2025, emphasises the importance of reducing regional disparities and ensuring that rural communities have access to the same opportunities as their urban counterparts. Rural development is seen not only as a means to address economic inequality but also as a foundation for building a resilient and inclusive Malaysia,” Abdul Karim said.

He added the Madani vision, as articulated by the prime minister, highlights compassion, fairness and progress as pillars of national development.

“This framework reinforces the importance of sustainable practices and social justice, ensuring that all communities, including those in rural areas, are given the tools and opportunities to thrive,” he said.

He said this year’s theme, ‘Bridging Innovation and Sustainable Entrepreneurship for Vibrant Rural Communities’, is both timely and critical.

“As we face unprecedented global challenges from climate change to economic uncertainty, the role of rural development and sustainable entrepreneurship has never been more important. It is vital that we recognise rural areas as engines of growth and innovation, not just as remote or isolated communities.

“Rural communities around the world have long been the backbone of our economies, contributing significantly to food production, natural resource management, and cultural heritage. However, they also face unique challenges such as limited access to technology, markets and financial resources. The need for innovation in these areas is clear,” he stressed.

“As we explore pathways for rural development, it is crucial that we embed sustainability in every initiative. Economic progress must go hand in hand with environmental stewardship. In this regard, rural entrepreneurs have the potential to lead the way by adopting practices that protect ecosystems, reduce carbon footprints, and contribute to the global sustainability agenda.

“As we look ahead, sustainability must remain a cornerstone of rural development. The Madani framework emphasises the importance of safeguarding our environment while promoting economic growth. Rural communities, particularly in regions like Sarawak, are custodians of our natural heritage,” he reminded.

By adopting sustainable business practices, Abdul Karim added, rural entrepreneurs can help protect these ecosystems while creating economic opportunities.

To strive to advance the future of Sarawak by increasing productivity, remaining competitive, and at the same time, creating a clean, healthy and resilient environment that will endure for future generations would be a shared responsibility of all, he stressed.

He then emphasised that by 2030, Sarawak will become a thriving region driven by data and innovation, where everyone will enjoy economic prosperity, social inclusiveness and a sustainable environment.

He believed that ideas shared during the conference would pave the way for innovative and sustainable approaches to rural development, pointing out that rural development is not just a local or national priority; it is a global imperative, and future of vibrant rural communities lies in the hands of this generation.

“Together, through innovation and sustainable entrepreneurship, we can bridge the gap between potential and progress, ensuring a brighter future for rural communities everywhere.”