KUCHING (Sept 3): Local entrepreneurs must seize global market opportunities as Sarawak expands its trade network and industrial base under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
The State Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment stressed that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of Malaysia’s economy, accounting for 96 per cent of all businesses in 2024.
“Our SMEs are the driving force of Sarawak’s economic transformation.
“They are the ones who will turn opportunities into businesses, livelihoods, and innovations that benefit our people,” he said during the launch of the ‘SME Community Outreach Programme: Asean Market Opportunities – Empowering SME for Regional Growth’ here today.
He noted that since 2021, Sarawak has approved investments exceeding RM100 billion across 1,180 projects, creating nearly 23,000 jobs.
These opportunities, he added, are not limited to large corporations but also extend to local SMEs providing goods, services, and expertise.
Awang Tengah also highlighted Sarawak’s progress in renewable energy, pointing out that hydropower already powers many industries, with further investments in solar and hydrogen to position the state for sustainable growth.
“The Sarawak government will continue to provide the framework, infrastructure and support, but the true drivers of success are you – our entrepreneurs, innovators, and workers.
“I urge you to seize these opportunities, build partnerships, embrace digitalisation, and expand your market,” he said.
Also present at the programme were Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda) chief executive officer Datuk Ismawi Ismuni, and CIMB Islamic Bank and CIMB Foundation chief executive officer, Ahmad Shahriman Mohd Shariff.
Source: https://www.theborneopost.com/2025/09/03/tap-global-opportunities-under-pcds-2030-deputy-premier-tells-swak-smes/