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KUCHING: Tributes have poured in for Allahyarham Mohd Azhar Rashid Azman, with organisations, entrepreneurs and friends remembering him as a connector, mentor and one of the people who helped strengthen Sarawak’s startup and digital ecosystem.
Azhar, 35, who was associated with Borneo Digital and founded I Love Borneo and I Love Kuching, passed away at Sarawak General Hospital on Sept 14. The cause of his death was not disclosed.
News of his passing prompted messages from organisations across Sarawak’s business, technology and innovation community, many of which recalled a man who worked largely behind the scenes to connect people, open doors and help young ventures find their footing.
Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) described Azhar as a “quintessential part of Sarawak’s innovation and startup ecosystem” and a steadfast supporter of the corporation from its early days.
It said his role extended beyond supporting individual organisations, describing him as a connector and bridge-builder who helped forge links between the innovation ecosystems of East and West Malaysia.
“He was always ready to lend a hand, open a door, make an introduction or contribute to an initiative that could help strengthen the ecosystem,” SDEC said.
Tributes pour in for Allahyarham Mohd Azhar Rashid Azman.TEGAS Digital Village & Digital Innovation Hub similarly remembered Azhar as a champion of Sarawak’s startup community and one of its earliest key tenants.
It said he generously gave his time to connect founders, investors and industry leaders across the region while sharing his expertise to help others succeed.
“Thank you, Azhar, for your wisdom, your warmth, and the invaluable mark you left on our community,” TEGAS said.
For the Sarawak Business Angel Network (SBAN), Azhar had been there from the organisation’s formative days.
SBAN said he offered his time, advice and encouragement when the organisation was still finding its footing, helping it better understand the ecosystem and opening conversations that supported its early development.
“His support was never loud or for recognition,” it said.
“He will be remembered not only for his contribution to the ecosystem, but also for his kindness, friendship, and the confidence he gave us in our early steps.”
Makeramai KCH went further, recalling Azhar as someone widely regarded as the “glue of the ecosystem” – a person who brought people together, connected ideas and helped turn conversations into action.
The organisation said Azhar had supported Makeramai since its first day, not simply as a partner but as someone who genuinely believed in what the community was trying to build.
BioVerde Technologies Sdn Bhd (BVT) also credited Azhar and the Borneo Digital team with supporting the company from its earliest days.
“His generosity with his time, knowledge and support meant a great deal to us,” it said.
Cradle Fund remembered Azhar as a valued friend and partner, while businesses and individuals who knew him personally also shared messages mourning his passing.
Makino Kochi Ramen Bar described him as a cherished patron and valued friend whose friendship, generosity and support would be remembered with great fondness.
The tributes painted a consistent picture – not merely of someone involved in Sarawak’s technology sector, but of a man whose contribution was often measured by the people he connected and the opportunities he helped create.
Even after his passing, Azhar’s final act reflected that spirit of giving.
His family said they had consented to donate his organs to patients in need after doctors determined that he was a suitable donor.
He was subsequently accorded a Walk of Honour following the completion of the organ donation procedures.
Allahyarham Azhar is scheduled to be laid to rest at the Semariang Muslim Cemetery on Sept 16 following funeral prayers at Masjid At-Taqwa, Gita.
As one tribute put it, his legacy would live on through “the people he supported, the connections he helped create, and the ecosystem he served with sincerity.”
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