KUCHING – Foundation students from Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak were given an early glimpse into the region’s startup ecosystem during an educational visit to TEGAS Digital Village (TDV).
The programme was led by Ts Hephi Liauw and aimed to provide students with practical exposure to industry initiatives and entrepreneurial experiences.
The visit included a guided tour of TDV, where students learned about the organisation’s role in supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in Sarawak.
TEGAS Digital Village has been established as a hub for startups, offering resources, mentorship, and collaborative opportunities to help young businesses grow.
As part of the programme, students attended sharing sessions with several startup founders who are currently supported by TEGAS.
Among those presenting were Poh Leong Koh of The Culture Capital, Suan Goh from CtrlD Studio, Anis Wahida representing Teduh Jiwa, and Jacob Jim of Stinablis.
Each founder shared insights into their entrepreneurial journey, highlighting both challenges and opportunities in building a business.
The interaction allowed students to gain first-hand knowledge of how startups operate, from developing ideas to managing growth and navigating market demands.
Organisers emphasised that such exposure is crucial for young learners, as it helps bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world industry practices.
Students were encouraged to ask questions and engage with the speakers, fostering a deeper understanding of the entrepreneurial mindset.
The session also highlighted the importance of resilience, creativity, and adaptability in pursuing business ventures.
TEGAS has been actively promoting innovation in Sarawak through initiatives such as TDV, which serves as a platform for collaboration between startups, investors, and educational institutions.
By welcoming students into this environment, TEGAS aims to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and equip them with the knowledge needed to thrive in a competitive economy.
The visit reflects a growing emphasis on industry-academic partnerships in Malaysia, where universities and innovation hubs are working together to prepare students for future careers.
For Swinburne’s foundation students, the experience at TDV provided valuable context for their studies and a clearer picture of the opportunities available in Sarawak’s digital economy.
