AS the world hurtles into the digital age, Sarawak too has seized the opportunities presented by embarking on a transformative journey into the realm of the digital economy.
This evolution reshapes the way Sarawakians do business and paves the way for a prosperous digital future.
Charting the Digital Landscape of Sarawak
Sarawak’s digital economy is a story of adaptability, resilience, and progress. The state has embraced the digital age with open arms, leveraging technology to carve out a niche in the global economy while staying true to its roots.
From urban centres to remote villages, the digital transformation is unfolding, and its impacts are being felt across sectors.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg underscores the significance of Sarawak’s digital journey.
He said since the commencement of the first Digital Economy Strategy (2018-2022), Sarawak has successfully enhanced the state’s economic development through a transformation in several sectors.
Now, with the introduction of Sarawak’s Digital Economy Blueprint (SDEB) which is the foundation to the state’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, it transformed the whole of the state’s economy and society from a conventional resource-based economy to an environmentally sustainable technology-driven economy.
“We will build the ecosystem to attract new industries focusing on international standards data centres, digital content creation and boosting digital innovation and entrepreneurship.
“Thus far, Sarawak is on track to be a digitally developed and business-friendly state by 2030,” he said.
Empowering Sarawak’s Digital Transformation: The Role of Tegas
In the midst of Sarawak’s digital revolution, Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (Tegas) emerged as a beacon of innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment.
This visionary initiative is propelling the state’s digital journey, shaping the trajectory of Sarawak’s transformation.
With a commitment to fostering local talents, nurturing startups, and bridging the digital divide, Tegas is playing a pivotal role in catalysing the growth of the digital economy across the region.
Established with the goal of accelerating Sarawak’s economic progress, Tegas envisions a future where technology and innovation serve as cornerstones of the state’s development.
By empowering Sarawak’s youth and entrepreneurs, Tegas seeks to harness the potential of the digital economy to drive sustainable growth and create opportunities for all.
Tegas: Nurturing Startups and Entrepreneurs
One of Tegas’ core missions is to support startups and entrepreneurs as they navigate the complexities of the digital economy.
According to its chairman Datuk Len Talif Salleh, through its various programmes, and initiatives conducted since 2017, Tegas provides aspiring innovators with the resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities needed to transform their ideas into thriving businesses.
Sharing on, he stated that although Tegas is a non-government organisation (NGO), it is fully funded by the state government.
“Therefore most of the programmes that we organised are free. We don’t charge anything.
“This is because we want anybody including those in the B40 groups to participate without any hindrance,” he said.
In addition to that, he said, as an NGO entity, Tegas has also been working closely with the state government.
“We assist the state government towards its goal in the digital economy. SDEB serves as a roadmap for the state to secure its future as a modern and leading digital economy and society by 2030.
“With it, at least we know which direction that Sarawak is heading to. That is why, we use the blueprint as our guideline and together with 42 government agencies, NGO, private agencies, and universities, we implemented our programmes following the said direction,” he said.
Touching on what Tegas is providing for the startups, he stated that it provide innovators with exposure, networking, and financial assistance through heavily subsidising their rental in Tegas’ office.
“No matter what business they are in, we provide opportunities for them to grow further from being just a startup company.
“We give them exposure where anyone around the globe will have access to their information and get to know our innovators better.
“As the world is the market, we bring in digitalisation and deal with a lot of international organisations,” he said.
Len pointed out that as a startup, it is undeniable that the percentage of failure is high but when the innovation becomes a hit, the returns will be big.
“Facebook is a great example. It started from nothing and at first, the idea may even sound stupid but in the end, it became a hit! The same goes with TikTok.
“All these are innovation and creativity of the innovators and there is no limit to it.
“Moreover, in Tegas, we use the international market as our benchmark, not the local standard,” he said.
Of course, without a capital, opening up a business will be rather impossible.
Therefore, he said innovators in Tegas are given RM5,000 for them to start off.
However, investors such as Shell, Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd (Cradle), and many others may give from RM50,000 to even millions for the innovators to start up.
“That is what our level at Tegas is, we give them networking exposure and we will top up RM5,000 to RM10,000 for them to start.
“Then after they reach a certain stage, the investors can buy their products. That is how startups work in Tegas.
“There is no barrier in how they want to develop their business. It is all up to the innovators’ creativity on how they want to do it. At the end of the day, they have to target the world as their marketplace,” he said.
Tegas’ Impact on Innovators
Tegas’ influence extends to various domains within the digital economy, including e-commerce.
By supporting startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in building their digital presence, Tegas has contributed to the growth of online businesses, enabling them to tap into wider markets and audiences.
Its effort has not only boosted local economic activity but has also positioned Sarawak as a player in the global e-commerce arena.
But how did Tegas make the local innovators and entrepreneurs successful?
Len stated that it is through the multi-level approach through which Tegas empowers startups.
“One of the important things that we emphasise is pitching. Because this is where they have to present their ideas or products to their potential investors.
“From pitching, investors will pick up the ideas. That is why not only is the product produced is important, but the narrative of the innovators are also important.
“We know that sometimes our people are quite shy and the way they pitch might not convince their potential investors. That is why we train them in our programme to help them pitch to convince their potential investors on their products.
“This is our first step where we inculcate the level of self-confidence among our people,” he said.
Following this, he said, the NGO will give them the exposure and technical detail after innovators develop their products.
“After all that is done, they will present their products to a group of people who are experts in that field before we bring in the potential investors.
“That is how we help our startups. Either you set up your business individually or as a company, it doesn’t matter.”
Guiding Aspiring E-commerce Entrepreneurs
In a world where digital landscapes redefine commerce, aspiring entrepreneurs are drawn to the promise of e-commerce.
Yet, as opportunities unfold, challenges also emerge. Navigating the e-commerce sector requires strategic insights, resilience, and informed decision-making.
Looking at the situation, Len advised those who want to tap into e-commerce to come and participate in programmes that Tegas has to offer.
“With our programmes, you will have a sort of level of understanding and knowledge as well as the mechanics of the whole thing.
“In our programmes as well, you will also be linked with other big companies so that you can develop, network, and meet a lot of people.
“Business is about networking so I suggest those who are interested in venturing in this to participate in our programmes so that you get exposure to other well established companies,” he said.
Adding on, he stated that from this, these companies will help the new innovators by advising them on how to expand their business.
“That is why there is a need to set up good networking. At the end of the day, you will talk about market access,” he said.
In light of this, he emphasised that success in e-commerce demands commitment and sustained effort.
“There is no easy way to success so you need to sustain your interest and commitment one way or the other. After all, this is the business that you start.”
The journey into e-commerce is as promising as it is challenging. By heeding the wisdom of Sarawak’s digital transformation and Tegas’ pioneering efforts, aspiring e-commerce entrepreneurs can set sail equipped with the knowledge and guidance needed to navigate these dynamic waters.
