STIDC urges association to compile member database, develop blueprint to strengthen Sarawak’s furniture industry

Zainal (fifth left) presenting a memento to Chiang during the courtesy visit to the STIDC office on July 17, 2024.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, July 17: Sarawak Furniture Industry Association (SFIA) has been urged to compile a database detailing the products and services offered by its 350 member companies to fortify Sarawak’s furniture industry against future challenges.

Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation general manager Zainal Abidin Abdullah conveyed this to SFIA president Leo Chiang Kok Sze when receiving a courtesy visit from the latter today.

According to a media release, Zainal also proposed that SFIA and STIDC engage in brainstorming sessions to formulate a comprehensive blueprint and establish a robust supply chain for Sarawak’s furniture industry, which aims to achieve RM4 billion in export revenue by 2030.

Under the Sarawak government’s Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, the furniture industry has been identified as one of the key economic drivers to propel the region towards a developed status.

To achieve this, STIDC emphasised that a range of initiatives, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneur development programmes, have been outlined to nurture competitive and globally renowned furniture entrepreneurs.

In the meeting, Chiang also briefed STIDC on the current status of Sarawak’s furniture industry, along with the association’s ongoing programmes and future plans to advance the industry.

SFIA has a membership of over 350 companies, including those involved in the downstream industry sectors. — DayakDaily