KUCHING: The Kuching Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCGCCI) has established the KCGC Innovation Hub, an innovative environment and sharing space for young entrepreneurs.
KCGCCI president Datuk Tan Jit Kee said the main challenge now was to attract youths to join them here, to allow successful and experienced KCGCCI members to give their advice and share their transferrable skills with them.
“KCGCCI provides a platform for young entrepreneurs to build up their skills and network,” he said at the opening ceremony of the KCGC Innovation Hub at Wisma Chinese Chambers, Jalan Bukit Mata here, yesterday.
The hub was officially opened by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“By leveraging on the experience and advice of experienced members, it is the perfect way to avoid the downside of doing it alone,” said Tan.
He extended his appreciation to the chief minister for the RM500,000 grant to set up KCGC Innovation Hub.
He also expressed KCGCCI’s continuous support for the state government’s efforts in fighting for Sarawak’s rights and interest under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Meanwhile, KCGCCI digital economy committee chairman Rodger Chan in his speech said, “The KCGC Innovation Hub is unique in Kuching as it is the only innovation hub where we have a vast network of over 1,200 entrepreneurs available for mentoring, incubating, nurturing, and supporting young entrepreneurs”.
He pointed out that while they are the oldest Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Malaysia, celebrating 130 years, they still strive to be the first to advance in terms of technology and digital economy.
KCGCCI is the first association in Kuching to set up an Innovation Hub, and is also the first Chamber of Commerce implementing the e-wallet such as Sarawak Pay.
The hub, located at Level 7 of Wisma Chinese Chambers along Jalan Bukit Mata, offers space for rent, which includes hot desks, office rooms, and seminar space.
Also present during the ceremony were Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian, Transport Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Tourism, Arts and Culture Assistant Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting, Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng, and the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching representative Li Wang Yuan.
