Sarawak sets up consortium to study rapidly growing ageing population, says Fatimah

KUCHING (July 25): Sarawak has set up a consortium to carry out a study on its senior citizens and rapidly growing ageing population, expected to complete in less than a year, said Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah.

Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister said the consortium, consisting of Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, Curtin University Malaysia and University of Technology Sarawak, would find out the detailed situation of the ageing population in the state as well as come up with proposals on what the state government could do to improve the situation.

“Sarawak is going to be an ageing state much earlier compared to other states in Malaysia because of the longevity of our senior citizens and the low fertility or low birth rate. Looking at the trend now, I believe that we will become an ageing state by 2028.

“As such, one of the preparations we have made includes forming a consortium comprising Swinburne Sarawak, Curtin and UTS to carry out a study on our senior citizens and they are expected to complete this study in less than a year.

“This intensive study will cover the whole of Sarawak from division levels up to districts and from urban to rural areas to enable us to find out what is the present situation and the consortium will also provide suggestions on what the Sarawak government can do,” Fatimah told reporters when met after officiating at the AFFIN BizChat by Affin Group (Affin) at a leading hotel here today.

She also said that her ministry will be organising an international conference on ageing next year focusing on topics such as health, finance as well as the inclusion of senior citizens in the society so that they do not feel marginalised.

Earlier in her speech, Fatimah commended Affin for its commitment in expanding its outreach to valuable financial literacy programmes such as the AFFIN BizChat which is aimed at supporting the entrepreneurship journey by providing a platform for businesses to explore the latest market trends, discover valuable business tips, and connect with industry players and experts.

“With this kind of programme, it will help our entrepreneurs, especially women entrepreneurs, to improve themselves and to be successful in their business,” she said.

She also said Affin’s partnership with Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), Dewan Usahawan Bumiputera Sarawak (DUBS) Kuching Branch, and Chemsain Sustainability Sdn Bhd through the signing of Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) today, highlighted its unwavering commitment to empowering businesses in Sarawak.

“By leveraging digital solutions, Affin provides a comprehensive suite of services to meet both the financial and non-financial needs of small, medium enterprises (SMEs), unlocking new opportunities, driving innovation, and fostering a vibrant business ecosystem.

“There is so much the bank can do to support and promote their innovation and productivity gains that the exciting new technologies can bring,” she said.

She said Affin has the capability to support the growth of SMEs in Sarawak, especially those involved as vendors in the growing green economy.

“Moreover, the recent launch of the AFFINGEM Financing Scheme for women entrepreneurs is a testament to Affin’s dedication to inclusivity and empowerment.

“This initiative provides crucial financial support to women entrepreneurs in Sarawak, which is always very much needed, enabling them to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies to grow their business and contribute to the economic development of the state,” she said.

At the event, Fatimah witnessed the exchange of MoUs which were signed by Affin Islamic Bank Berhad chief executive officer Dato Paduka Syed Mashafuddin Syed Badarudin, Affin Bank Berhad Group Enterprise Banking executive director Fung Kai Jin, SDEC chief executive officer Sudarnoto Osman, DUBS Kuching Branch chairman Drahman Jaladin, and Chemsain Sustainability executive chairman Dr John Chan Sung Tong.

Also present were Affin Islamic Bank Berhad chairman Musa Abdul Malek, Affin Bank Berhad Group Enterprise Banking head of Business Marketing and Development Raymond Lee Wei Hwa, SDEC chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Morshidi Abdul Ghani, DUBS Kuching Branch deputy chairman Syed Hossin Wan Hamit, and Chemsain Sustainability director Timothy Chan Xi Jin.