KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg said the State Government recognised the need to create a suitable business environment for all investors and businesses to allow them to thrive.
“Indeed, we often need an impetus or avenue to spur growth. It is for this reason that our state development agency, the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy, better known as SCORE, was established a decade ago.
“It has since entered its second phase of development. Thus far, it has attracted approximately MR79.3 billion worth of investments from the private and public sectors with private investments in 22 projects from various industries amounting to MR33.6 billion throughout its five growth nodes, creating 61,000 jobs,” he said in his keynote address when officiating at the opening of the International Conference on Sarawak & Asean Growing Together for Common Prosperity & Regional Wellbeing at Hilton Hotel here, yesterday.
Abang Johari added that the success of SCORE has seen its expansion from 700,000 sq km to 100,000 sq km this year and it triggers industries in aluminium, steel, oil-based, and glass have attracted cluster industries from across the region.
“There are also ample opportunities for start-ups and SMEs in Sarawak with the provision of various grants and incentives. For example, the state government has allocated MR700 million in various grants to support entrepreneurs and the amount has increased to MR900 million in 2018. Incentives and programmes by ACTYVATE, Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Centre (MaGIC), Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Bumiputera Sarawak (Tegas),” he said can also be leveraged upon.
“I encourage and welcome entrepreneurs, both local and abroad, to see Sarawak as the platform for the development of their business ideas which could flourish to become the next big thing in the region” he emphasised.
The Chief Minister also said, “Sarawak’s development is meaningless if our fellow Sarawakians living in the rural and interior areas are left behind. Therefore, three development agencies have been set up by the state government under RECODA to see to the development of rural and interior Sarawak
“This would involve development in six economic trigger projects, namely aquaculture, tourism, forestry, palm oil, rubber and biotechnology,” he said.
Abang Johari also said that there will be focus on commercial agriculture, particularly for the highland areas. However, for this to succeed would require big players from the private sector to act as anchor farmers.
He said the development of the agricultural sector also must incorporate the use of the latest production technologies as well as communication and digital technology.
“In fact, the digital innovation is where we are putting much emphasis in, as part of our efforts to adapt and be part of the digital future,” he pointed out.
The Chief Minister also said the Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy which was recently launched included plans to develop Sarawak’s digital economy between now and 2022 and at the moment, the digital economy only contributes 2.3 per cent to the state’s economy.
“This needs to be vastly improved if Sarawak is to catch the 4th Industrial Revolution train,” he stressed.
He said to spearhead this initiative, the Sarawak Digital Economy Corp and Development Bank of Sarawak have been established, with MR2 billion allocated towards the development of the state’s digital economy infrastructure. And the Sarawak Pay which had been launched will hopefully be widely used in Sarawak.
Abang also disclosed that there are many other exciting initiatives in the pipeline all aimed towards the development of the State.
The State Government has approved a total of RM7 billion worth of infrastructural and public utilities projects since last year and steps are earnestly being taken to ensure that the process of implementation is expedited.
“I want all the implementation of all the approved projects to start next year. I hope you will find these developments encouraging and appealing, especially if you are considering setting up business in Sarawak.
“Our development is not a coincidence. It is through open and continuous dialogue with all stakeholders to which we are able to discuss and remedy issues, and agree on the way forward. This includes understanding each other’s needs and concerns, and addressing them the best we can.
“To enable Sarawakians to make an impact in the region, more emphasis on STEM is required and at the movement only 26 per cent of school students are enrolled in the STEM stream.
“In response the state government has undertaken efforts to increase the percentage of STEM students through collaboration with state and federal agencies.
“It is the aspiration of every Sarawakian to be on par with those living in the developed nations. Our people certainly have the potentials. We pride ourselves for being resilient, resourceful, and united. Sarawakians thoroughly deserve better lives. But there is no free lunch. For us to assume our place in the international community, much more needs to be done.
“In this appeal, I ask our people not to expect the state nor federal government to come around to hold our hands. There is a need for each of us to find the inner strength within ourselves to take hold of our own future in the grasp of our hands.
“We must go boldly despite the risks and uncertainties, and seize the opportunities before us. Only then will we see tangible changes in our beloved state-when each and every Sarawakian rises up together,” he emphasized.
The conference with the theme “Growing Together for Common Prosperity & Regional Wellbeing” was organised by KASI Institute and MRS Management.
The conference discussed the business and investment opportunities in Sarawak in this new Malaysia era, post GE14. It evaluated the key issues and strategic challenges facing the state and the new growth drivers.
It also looked at the Federal-State relations in this new era of the Pakatan Harapan Government in the Federal level and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) at the state level. What are the critical issues? What are the future directions and will Sarawak continue to enjoy political stability, its mainstay for a long time and what are the risks of investing in the State?
The one-day conference was attended by participants from both the Federal and State governments, business community from various industries, academia, civil society, and all who seek to develop Sarawak into a leading player, not just within Malaysia, but on the global stage.
