E-business, e-commerce and digital entrepreneurship – these terms are splashed almost daily all over in our media.
Very rightly so!
These are going to be one of the main pillars of economic growth in Sarawak as announced by our Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
From time to time, I have lectured on these topics of E-business, E-commerce and Digital Entrepreneurship at the diploma, advance diploma, and degree level.
Therefore, I tend to keep an eye out for updates and news on these matters especially when it relates to Sarawak.
Over the years I have attended various seminars, talks, workshops on these IT related topics.
It is great to see that with each passing year there has been considerable progress in the practicality and contents of these talks, seminars, and workshops.
The most recent ones I attended were organised by the SMA-TEGAS Digital Innovation Hub in Miri and by Credit Guarantee Corporation (CGC) “Go Digital Talk”.
” As we know, our traditional over-dependence on timber, oil palm plantations and oil & gas have exposed and subjected us to the vagaries of fluctuations in the market place, and the need to have economic diversity is critical. ”
The SMA-TEGAS talk focused on developing a working plan for specific ideas and on how to build on business plans including understanding your potential customers.
By the way, this place has also created an excellent co-working environment, and the centre has the tagline #InnovateSarawak.
While the CGC half-day “Go Digital Talk” in partnership with MDEC (Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation) focus was on successful online marketing, digital sales and access to financing small medium enterprises.
The registration for both events was free and done online in keeping with the concept of digitalisation.
These events were well organised, provided valuable insights and this bodes well for Sarawak and its people.
Both the federal and Sarawak governments are doing an excellent job in this aspect.
Expanding our entrepreneurship in Sarawak is critical as this will bring us to the next level of economic growth and additional employment opportunities.
” Considering that global retail e-commerce sales are projected to reach US$27 trillion by 2020, Sarawak is going in the right direction to achieve its primary objective to be developed as a high-income economy by 2030. ”
As we know, our traditional over-dependence on timber, oil palm plantations and oil & gas have exposed and subjected us to the vagaries of fluctuations in the market place, and the need to have economic diversity is critical.
It is indeed good to see that the Sarawak government is already diversifying by expanding and funding economic growth in other areas such as our agricultural sector.
While reading up to come up with points on enhancing the digital entrepreneurship in Sarawak, I was pleasantly surprised to come across all the relevant details of the Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy 2018 to 2022 in its booklet.
I am sure many of us have heard about Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy in all the various media platforms.
But how many of us have actually read it? I did, but only recently.
Having spoken to several friends, all have heard of the Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy, but none knew the details except for the fact more communication towers will be built.
I would urge all Sarawakians to read the details at the Sarawak Multimedia Authority website at http://www.sma.gov.my because it is really comprehensive.
Just a quick summary of the strategies covered relate to the following sectors: agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, smart city, digital health, e-commerce, digital government and social.
The above strategies are meant to be achieved via strategic enablers listed as digital infrastructure, digital skills & management, digital & data, cyber security, research & development, innovation & enterprise, and digital inclusivity.
The foresight and setting up of the Sarawak Multimedia Authority to facilitate the implementation of the above actions shows the commitment of the Sarawak government.
I would urge the Sarawak government to arrange for more talks to disseminate the information to all Sarawakians. It would be beneficial for our people.
Nothing fancy, no pomp and ceremony, just simple and straightforward sessions all over Sarawak ranging from schools, libraries and community centres with an emphasis on how it will benefit each of the target audience.
I was re-reading “The Report Sarawak 2011” published by the Oxford Business Group, and there was no mention of any aspects of digital entrepreneurship and e-commerce except for a few pages on communications related to mobile and internet penetration rate.
Therefore, it is indeed very commendable that our Chief Minister, via the Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy, has introduced and strongly emphasised the importance of digital entrepreneurship and E-commerce.
This will help us to leapfrog to developed nation status. We cannot wait for Malaya to help us along and treat us fairly.
In 2017, Abang Johari said, “We aim to move from electrical power to cyber power to brain power and to become a digital economy powerhouse.”
Considering that global retail e-commerce sales are projected to reach US$27 trillion by 2020, Sarawak is going in the right direction to achieve its primary objective to be developed as a high-income economy by 2030.
We should all play a part in encouraging others to participate in one form or another in the drive to help ensure the success of the Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy.
There are some programmes and schemes available to help budding entrepreneurs.
One such is Abang Johari’s introduction of digital farming with the Agropark Policy.
This scheme allows the government to rent land to Agropreneur and will significantly speed up economic growth in rural areas and make Sarawak a net exporter of food as envisaged.
These and many more programs must carry on its excellent momentum and in fact, be accelerated.
Essential to the sustainable growth of digital entrepreneurship is the fact that we need to work hard on immersing all our people into a culture of digital entrepreneurship.
Our younger generation is already digitally savvy. However, we need to shape them all into being digitally savvy in terms of becoming digital entrepreneurs.
This should also apply to people of all ages. After all Colonel Sanders became a successful entrepreneur by opening KFC at the age of 65.
It is of further importance that all these types of initiatives are open to all races. After all the more entrepreneurs there are, the better for Sarawak.
Leave no Race behind has been mentioned by many, especially politicians.
Well, I am sure all Sarawakians would be happy if this were practised across the board with all our Economic transformation programmes.
Inclusivity is the key word here. Include all races in the drive to make Sarawak a Digital Economy.
We need to move together as one people to help Sarawak.
Turning Sarawak into a nation of entrepreneurs by creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem and infusing the concept of all things digital in itself is ensuring we will put Sarawak First.
So Sarawakians, do not wait, Go Digital Now!
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the New Sarawak Tribune.
