BARIO – The establishment of the Bario Entrepreneur Incubator and Guidance Centre (PIBU) has been hailed as a milestone for rural economic empowerment, with leaders confident it will serve as a catalyst for innovation and entrepreneurship in the highland district.
The centre was officially launched on Monday at the Bario Community Hall by Datuk Gerawat Gala, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) and Mulu State Assemblyman (ADUN).
He described the initiative as a historic moment for the Bario community, aligning with the state government’s vision under Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Abang Openg to strengthen rural economies.
Gerawat explained that PIBU will function as a dedicated entrepreneurship hub, offering local entrepreneurs access to business addresses, guidance services, and networking opportunities with government and private agencies.
“We want to ensure that the local community, especially the youth, are able to explore new opportunities in the modern economy such as innovative entrepreneurship, contractors, e-commerce and digital services,” he said.
The launch also included the Creative Thinking and Innovation Cultivation Course for Contractors and Suppliers, organised by SEDC Sarawak and the Sarawak State Financial Secretary’s Office.
Gerawat praised the programme as timely, noting that it would help contractors and suppliers become more innovative, competitive, and professional.
“With the knowledge and skills acquired through this course, contractors and suppliers will be able to improve their performance and quality of project implementation,” he added.
He further stressed that the state government is committed to building a community-based economy and hopes PIBU Bario will serve as a model for resilient rural settlements.
“The establishment of PIBU Bario will be a catalyst for increasing household income, opening up new job opportunities and producing local entrepreneurs who can bring the Bario brand to the national and international levels,” he explained.
The event was attended by Datuk Dr Anuar Rapaee, Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development of Sarawak, Rozita Mohamad Ibrahim, Director of Procurement Division representing the Sarawak State Financial Secretary, Sapuan Mawi, representative of the General Manager of SEDC Sarawak, and Professor Dr Abang Zainoren Abang Abdurahman from UiTM Sarawak Branch, who also delivered a lecture.
The PIBU initiative reflects Sarawak’s broader strategy to empower rural communities through entrepreneurship, innovation, and digital integration, ensuring that highland areas like Bario can thrive in the modern economy.
