SARIKAI – A cultural shift towards innovative thinking is being championed as essential for the district’s future progress. Senior officials have stated that innovation must extend beyond mere invention to become a foundational practice in all administrative and community activities.
This vision was articulated by Sarikei Division Resident Datu Michael Ronnie Langgong during the closing ceremony for the Sarikei Division Administration’s Innovation Month 2025. The event, held on Friday, celebrated a series of programmes designed to foster a creative mindset.
Datu Michael Ronnie emphasised that this approach is critical for ensuring the district’s development aligns with the state’s *Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030* and national civic values. He expressed a clear ambition for the area’s role in the wider state economy.
“We want Sarikei to not just be an observer, but an active player in the development of technology and innovation,” he told attendees. This active participation is seen as key to securing sustainable growth and relevance.
He further highlighted the importance of nurturing talent across all demographics. The community, youth, students, and women require continued access to platforms and support to cultivate a future generation of problem-solvers.
The Resident also underscored the vital role of external investment and expertise. Support from the private sector, local investors, and entrepreneurs from outside Sarikei is considered crucial for building a robust and dynamic innovation ecosystem.
The success of Innovation Month 2025 was cited as evidence of a sustained commitment from all district departments and agencies. The initiative demonstrated that innovation is being treated as a continuous agenda rather than a one-off project.
Three primary programmes formed the core of the month’s activities. The Digital Story Lab, Empowerment from Within, and Entrepreneurs Empowerment Exchange were implemented with significant results.
These initiatives successfully empowered youth, women, and local business owners. They also contributed to raising levels of digital literacy, creativity, and competitive capability within the community.
The high-impact programmes yielded several tangible benefits. They strengthened networks among local entrepreneurs, opened up new market opportunities in green technology, and enhanced financial literacy and grassroots leadership.
Innovation Month 2025 has effectively repositioned Sarikei as an emerging rural innovation hub. The divisional administration now acts as the central connection point linking the entrepreneurial ecosystem, the community, and the government sector.
The ceremony was attended by Sarikei Division Deputy Resident Badjuri Bidin, alongside numerous heads of departments, government staff, and tribal leaders from across the division, signalling broad institutional support for this ongoing transformation.
