Unity under one umbrella vital for entrepreneurs, says DUBS Miri

MIRI (Dec 27): The Miri chapter of Chamber of Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneurs (DUBS) remains committed to playing its role as a unifying umbrella for the local business community, as they prepare to face the challenges and opportunities in the coming year.

In his New Year 2026 message, DUBS Miri chairman Mohammad Hafidz Rohani gave assurance that the chapter would continue to become a key bridge connecting local entrepreneurs, government agencies, industry players and the wider community, with the aim of strengthening the overall entrepreneurial ecosystem in this division.

In view of this, however, he stressed unity as ‘the most important lesson learned from 2025’, noting that entrepreneurs would become stronger and more effective when they moved forward together, rather than working in isolation.

“Fragmented voices are easily drowned out, but a united voice under one large umbrella will be heard and respected.

“This is the role that DUBS Miri will continue to play, not to elevate just one group, but to strengthen the entire local SME (small and medium enterprise) ecosystem,” he said in the message.

He said throughout 2025, DUBS Miri had been involved in 50 engagement sessions, including with the media and various stakeholders, to highlight real and pressing issues faced by SMEs in Miri.

“The challenges include rising costs of living, increasing operational expenses, limited market access, financing opportunities and policy implementation challenges.

“These issues are not individual problems, as they are shared concerns that require collective solutions.

“When entrepreneurs come together under one platform, they do not lose their individual identities.

“Instead, their positions are strengthened through solidarity and shared advocacy,” he added.

Looking ahead, Mohammad Hafidz said DUBS Miri would continue advocating for greater inclusivity within the SME sector, calling for more businesses to be embraced rather than marginalised.

He also pointed out the need for issues to be raised and addressed together to ensure that policies, assistance and opportunities would reach those who truly needed them at the grassroots level.

He further stressed that the approach championed by DUBS Miri had always been rooted in community-oriented leadership, focusing on togetherness rather than division, and prioritising the economic well-being of the people.

“As the New Year is drawing near, I – on behalf of DUBS Miri – hope that 2026 would be a year of consolidation and unity, paving the way for a more resilient, fair and sustainable local economy driven by collaboration and shared purpose,” said Mohammad Hafidz.