Sarawak's business community needs to be prepared to explore new economic sectors

SIBU, Sept. 19: The business community of Sarawak must be prepared to explore new economic sectors and move from dependence on traditional industries to ensure the state remains competitive in its phase of economic transformation.

Deputy Prime Minister of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said that the areas with potential to develop include renewable and green energy, semiconductors, healthcare, digitisation as well as technology-based industries.

According to him, Sarawak is now entering an important phase in its economic transformation which requires the development of new sectors, besides strengthening knowledge and technical capabilities.

"Sarawak is entering an important phase of economic transformation. We need to keep moving beyond traditional industries and develop new economic sectors, knowledge and technical capabilities", he said.

He said this while addressing the Inauguration Meeting of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) Association of the Sarawak Allied Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCCIS) 2026 here, today.

Dr Sim said the transition to a new economy also requires close cooperation between governments and business communities to translate policies, infrastructure and development platforms into investment, business activities and employment opportunities.

In the meantime, he welcomed ACCCIS's move to launch a Digital Membership Database Management System, which he described as a positive development in the organisation's efforts towards digitisation.

He said the move was in line with Sarawak's growing trend towards a more digital and technology-based economy.

He also encouraged ACCCIS to continue its role as a constructive link between the government and business community, particularly in identifying practical issues affecting the business sector and presenting ideas to support Sarawak's economic development.

He said the contributions of ACCCIS and its affiliated councils over the years were important in providing a platform for business networking, policy dialogue, capacity building as well as intergovernmental relations with the business community.

In related developments, Dr Sim also acknowledged the efforts of ACCCIS to expand its role to environmental sustainability aspects through various awareness initiatives, resource recycling and sustainable living practices.

He said the workshop "How To Retain The Blue Sky" Eco-Enzyme Public Workshop in 2024 and "How To Retain The Blue Sky 2.0: Five Eco Enzyme Lessons" in 2026 reflected ACCCIS' continued commitment to environmental sustainability.

He said the efforts are in line with Sarawak's Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) which outlines economic prosperity, social inclusion and environmental sustainability as the three main dimensions of state development.

"Protecting the environment is not just an ecological responsibility. It's also increasingly linked to the economies of the future, including green industries, renewable energy and high-value new opportunities", he said.

He at the same time encouraged ACCCIS to continue strengthening cooperation between its affiliated councils across Sarawak to build a more resilient and competitive state economy. - TVS