Sarawak’s rural entrepreneurs key to leading global sustainability efforts, says minister

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By Ashley Sim

KUCHING, Oct 15: Sarawak’s rural entrepreneurs hold the potential to lead global sustainability efforts, according to Sarawak Minister for Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED), Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

Abdul Karim, who is also Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP), emphasised the crucial role that sustainable entrepreneurship must play in the future of rural communities, both in Sarawak and beyond.

“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,” he said during his speech at the 7th International Conference on Rural Development and Entrepreneurship (ICORE) 2024 at a prominent hotel here yesterday (Oct 14).

The conference, which runs from Oct 14 to 16, focuses on the theme “Bridging Innovation and Sustainable Entrepreneurship for Vibrant Rural Communities”.

The minister further mentioned that 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. By adopting sustainable business practices, rural entrepreneurs can help protect these ecosystems while creating economic opportunities.

“It is our shared responsibility 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,” he added.

Meanwhile, with regard to ICORE 2024, Abdul Karim highlighted that the conference would explore approaches to empowering rural communities, not only in Malaysia but globally, through innovation and sustainable entrepreneurship.

“This year’s conference, jointly organised by Universiti Utara Malaysia, Hebei University, and Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, carries a theme that 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,” he noted.

Furthermore, Abdul Karim underlined the need for policymakers to foster a conducive environment that enables rural entrepreneurship to flourish.

“This 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 added. — DayakDaily

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