Sarawak women urged to lead future as creators, innovators and tech pioneers

KUCHING (Jan 3): Women in Sarawak have been urged to step forward as creators, innovators and leaders in technology to ensure they are not left behind as digital transformation accelerates.

Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Dato Sri Nancy Shukri said women must move beyond being mere users of technology and instead play an active role in shaping developments in areas such as digital platforms and artificial intelligence (AI).

“Without sufficient exposure and skills, women risk being left behind in this wave of change.

“That is why digital empowerment is so important, so that women are not only technology users, but also creators, innovators and leaders in this field,” she said.

She was speaking at a press conference for the Program Perantisan Kepimpinan Wanita (PERANTIS) – Program Pembinaan Kepimpinan dan Keusahawanan Wanita Dayak (PENDAYA) Programme and the Dayak Women Entrepreneurs Leadership Development Workshop at the Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) here.

Nancy highlighted that the rapid growth of AI and digital technologies is reshaping work, education and daily life, and women must be equipped to adapt to a more creative, versatile and future-oriented economic landscape.

“Today’s economic landscape demands a more creative, versatile and future-oriented approach.

“The development of digital technology and AI now opens up new opportunities — not only to increase income, but also to build confidence, new skills and leadership in economic participation,” she said.

She also noted that in Sarawak, the development of digital economic platforms has helped women entrepreneurs expand market access, improve skills and strengthen business networks.

“Initiatives introduced under the leadership of the Premier of Sarawak provide a strong foundation and meaningful support, enabling our people to step confidently into larger markets,” she added.

Nancy said international discussions, including her participation at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum 2025 in Incheon, South Korea, have underscored the urgency of digital inclusion.

“It is clear that digital programmes must be learned and exposed to every level of society, including women, youth and rural communities,” she said.

On the PERANTIS programme, Nancy said it is an initiative under her ministry focusing on structured leadership, capacity-building and entrepreneurship development for women.

“Until 2025, PERANTIS has implemented 100 programmes nationwide involving 4,770 women participants from various backgrounds,” she said, adding that in Sarawak alone, 11 programmes have involved 640 women.

She emphasised that programmes such as PERANTIS–PENDAYA are not just training platforms, but efforts to build confidence, leadership and the ability of women to move in tandem with technological and economic changes.

“Programmes like PENDAYA provide space for women to learn, connect, be empowered and eventually lead,” she said.

Nancy also expressed appreciation to Women Empowerment Sarawak Network Association (WESNA) Kuching and DCCI for organising the programme, describing it as a reflection of close cooperation between the government, civil society and the business sector in empowering women.

Also present at the press conference were DCCI president Dato Allan Keripin Nangkai and PERANTIS-PENDAYA organising chairperson Dr Carolina Sandra Giang.