KUCHING – Sarawak has strengthened its innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem with the launch of the Sarawak Business Angel Network (SBAN) at Plaza Merdeka Shopping Centre on Thursday.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurial Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, in a speech read by his deputy, Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, described the launch as a milestone that underscores the state government’s commitment to fostering innovation, empowering entrepreneurship, and promoting inclusive economic growth.
He noted that while Sarawak continues to build physical infrastructure such as roads and bridges, equal emphasis is placed on developing the “infrastructure of ideas, talents, and opportunities.” Through the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, the state has outlined an ambitious plan to become a developed economy driven by innovation.
“To realise this vision, we must create space for start-ups, youth groups, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to grow,” he said, adding that innovation requires more than funding. It also depends on confidence, guidance, collaboration, and the courage to take calculated risks.
Abdul Karim explained that SBAN will act as a bridge between ideas and opportunities, connecting entrepreneurs with investors who believe in their vision. He described its establishment as a “bold declaration” that Sarawak is ready to cultivate a local investor community committed to supporting businesses, people, and ideas with the potential to reach global markets.
He also expressed appreciation to the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) for its leadership in developing the ecosystem, and to the Malaysia Business Angels Network (MBAN) for sharing national-level experience and best practices with Sarawak.
The launch event included the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between MBAN and SBAN, witnessed by Datuk Dr Ripin, SDEC Chief Executive Officer Dato Ir. Ts. Sudarnoto Osman, and Cradle Group Chief Executive Officer Norman Matthieu Vanhiker. MBAN was represented by Peter Wee, while SBAN was represented by Dato Patrick Liew.
The initiative is expected to drive Sarawak’s entrepreneurial landscape towards greater innovation, investment readiness, and international market penetration. -UKAS EDITION
