SIBU: Innovation and collaboration is the key to enabling the local industries here to undergo transformation and innovation, says Joseph Chieng Jin Ek.
The Bukit Assek assemblyman said this includes transformation and innovation through branding local cuisines, seizing modernisation opportunities in traditional industries, or leveraging the cultural and creative industries to bring about change.
Chieng stressed it is necessary to create a dedicated innovation forum, inviting industry experts, entrepreneurs and government representatives to participate in discussions and share the latest technologies, trends and experiences.
“Regular industry seminars, entrepreneurship competitions and showcase events can be organised to provide local entrepreneurs and innovators with opportunities for presentation and exchange,” he said.
He said this in his speech at the 2024 Sibu Local Industry Innovation Forum attended by 382 participants at a renowned hotel here today (Mar 23).
Chieng stressed the importance of encouraging collaboration between different industries by establishing joint research and development projects, sharing production facilities or resources and formulating common marketing strategies to achieve greater synergy.
“For instance, collaborating with local agricultural producers with technology companies to develop smart agriculture solutions to increase crop yield and quality,” he said.
He also said that the government can incentivise local businesses to innovate and expand by providing tax incentives, innovation funds, and technology transfer support.
“Establishing innovation funds to provide venture capital and entrepreneurship support to local businesses, helping them upgrade their technology and expand their market,” he said.
He stressed the importance of investing in education and training to cultivate more local innovative talents and enhance innovation awareness and teamwork spirit.
“Establishing innovation scholarships to attract outstanding students to engage in scientific innovation and entrepreneurship, while providing internships and mentoring support to help them translate ideas into business value,” he added.
Chieng believes that through the measures mentioned, Sibu’s local industries can seize development opportunities, achieve technological innovation, and industrial upgrading, thereby transforming local power and enhancing the local economic and social development level.
