Sarawak plans to expand youth entrepreneurship hub

KUCHING, 15 Oct: Sarawak plans to open more youth entrepreneurship hubs in other zones to help young entrepreneurs gain guidance, information and access to finance to grow their businesses.

Sarawak Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the SYStartUp Hub inaugurated at Jalan Kulas here today is a platform for young entrepreneurs to connect and get information about ministry programs.

"Our data center already has a number of potential entrepreneurs. This is the place for them to meet, keep data and get information from the ministry", he said at the inauguration of SYStartUp Sarawak Entrepreneurs' Association Hub.

He said that the establishment of the hub was a follow-up to the implementation of the entrepreneurship programme Kohort 1, Kohort 2 and Kohort 3 to guide more young people into the field.

He said the hub has the potential to be expanded to other zones to allow program participants to stay in touch, exchange information and get guidance on improving business performance.

Abdul Karim said the ministry is not only focusing on financial aid, but also wants to form disciplined entrepreneurs capable of running their own businesses.

"We don't want these entrepreneurs intending to be entrepreneurs but just looking for contracts, then when they get a contract, then handing it over to other parties to implement", he said.

He said the government also provided support through financing schemes and cooperation with successful companies to help young entrepreneurs develop their businesses.

In the meantime, cooperation with Affin Bank and related parties is also being worked on to facilitate those concerned in obtaining grants or loans.

"When banks see them too young and inexperienced, they don't dare to issue loans. However, once they have gone through a program like this with the support of the ministry, it can help them get financing", he said. -TVS