RM950 million to power Sarawak's entrepreneurial ecosystem

KUCHING, 6 Oct: Over RM950 million jointly mobilised by the Federal and Sarawak agencies for January to October 2026 in an effort to strengthen the state's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The coordination was implemented through the Sarawak Economic Development and Coordination Committee (SEDCC) which serves as a platform for cooperation between the Federal Government, the Sarawak Government, government-related companies (GLCs), financial institutions and the private sector.

"Through SEDCC coordination, over RM950 million has been jointly mobilized by the Federal and Sarawak agencies for the period January to October 2026 to strengthen Sarawak's entrepreneurial ecosystem", according to a media statement of the SEDCC Motherhood Committee Meeting No. 2 Year 2026, today.

The council was completed by the Deputy Prime Minister of Sarawak embracing Sarawak's Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.

Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, as well as Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship Development Sarawak, Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat were also present.

The approach ensures that the financing facilities, capacity development, training and market access provided by various agencies can complement each other to take Sarawak enterprises to a higher level.

For the period 2021 to 2025, Sarawak recorded over RM116 billion of approved investments, while around RM11.2 billion more were approved for the first half of 2026 involving the primary, manufacturing and service sectors.

Meanwhile, the exchange of agreement documents for the Master Plan to Enhance the Competitiveness of SMEs in Sarawak marks another important step towards enhancing the competitiveness, resilience and sustainability of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

"The Master Plan will provide a comprehensive and long-term direction including innovation and digitalization, access to finance and markets, capacity development and strengthening of entrepreneurial ecosystems", he said.

The implementation of the plan is expected to enhance Sarawak's SME capacity to grow, innovate and penetrate domestic and international markets.

Strategic cooperation between the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED) and UNIMAS Holdings Sdn. Bhd. through the initiative also symbolizes joint efforts in developing a stronger and more sustainable SME ecosystem.

The entire effort supports the aspiration of the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 to achieve Sarawak's economy worth RM282 billion and median household income of RM15,000 a month through corporate growth, job creation and increased incomes of people. -TVS