KUCHING: The state government will concentrate on facilitating a regulatory environment that will allow a level playing field to bring about successful economic transformation.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said they will also make available seed funding and invest in critical infrastructure, research, and talent development.
He said that in order to accelerate Sarawak’s 2030 Economic Agenda, the state government would seek partnerships not only with the public sector, but also with the private sector, academia and the community.
“The public-private and community partnership involving all stakeholders will provide a platform to bring about successful economic transformation,” he said when officiating at an International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2020 here on Wednesday.
“We will need to enhance our policies to encourage participation and investment by the private sector and to act as an enabler in driving economic growth,” he said.
He pointed out that the growth of the economy largely depended on private sector investment and productivity, while the government’s role was to facilitate, build infrastructure, and provide incentives and policy guidelines.
Abang Johari said that to support the growth of the private sector, in particular small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Sarawak, the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) in partnership with the relevant ministries and corporations would cater towards the digitalisation of SMEs in the state.
“Our packages will include the provision of technologies, digital platforms, training, and support that will take their businesses to the next level. The programme will be launched progressively in the coming months,” he said.
At the same time, he said that although having access to technology and the infrastructure was critical, digital opportunities could not be fully taken advantage of if the state did not invest in human capital development, research, business and start-up environment, business and government investments, agile legislative and policy frameworks, and a competitive private sector.
“Our regulatory framework is fundamental in boosting investment in digitalisation, innovation, and competitiveness. This framework requires being flexible and adaptable to technology advancements that may lead to innovative business models and competition, while also safeguarding stakeholder interests,” he said.
He pointed out that Sarawak needed to understand its digital readiness and what interventions and investments could help it advance in its digital economy journey and address its 2030 economic growth agenda.
“These will need to be delivered through concerted planning and investment by both the public and private sectors,” stressed Abang Johari.
