BY GABRIEL LIHAN & LILIANA SHERYN
KUCHING: The Sarawak Gastronomy (SAGO) Incubator invites aspiring entrepreneurs and applicants to participate in their 10-week programme to equip their business and culinary skills.
SAGO Incubator held a soft launching at TEGAS Digital Village which was officiated by Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan.
“Gastronomy is an essential component of Sarawak’s identity and it plays a vital role in promoting multi-ethnic and multiculturalism in Sarawak.
“Through the SAGO Incubator programme, we aim to not only support the growth of the food industry but also to showcase the unique and diverse food offerings of Sarawak,”Snowdan said.
He added that the food industry in Sarawak was not solely about providing food but also about promoting the local culture and heritage.
He said that the food industry played an essential role in creating understanding and appreciation for different cultures and traditions.
“Therefore, we must heavily promote Sarawak as one of the few creative cities in the world of gastronomy. This way, people will understand that their portfolio is a creative industry where they can create and present food.
“The food industry is one of the strong economies in Sarawak and a significant job creator for Sarawakians,” he told reporters in a press conference during SAGO Incubator’s soft launching at TEGAS Digital Village yesterday (April 13).
The programme is now in its second year. Previous participants have gone on to diversify their products, open new outlets, create joint ventures and launch new brands.
With the support of industry experts and mentors, participants will attend workshops, masterclasses, demonstrations, exclusive events, and learn from some of the best in the industry.
SAGO Incubator programme organising partner, Evelyn Teo said that SAGO was thrilled to launch its call for applications for this year’s programme.
“We are grateful for the support of our partners and sponsors, who have helped us create this programme and make it a success,” she said.
SAGO Incubator is organised by The Hills Kuching, WAT Sarawak and Retrospective Discovery LLP and is supported by various partners, including TEGAS Digital Village, Supreme Group, Green Buddy, Asa Esa, Grab and Culinary Heritage and Arts Society Sarawak (CHASS).
The programme’s success has been attributed to the collaborations and partnerships formed, and SAGO Incubator welcomes more partners to join in its mission to elevate and boost Sarawak’s food industry.
Applications are now open until May 2, 2023. Aspiring food entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply and take the first step towards building a successful food business and contributing to Sarawak’s gastronomic landscape.
For more information on the SAGO Incubator programme and the call for applications, visit its website or contact it at https://sagoinc.my/.
Present at the soft launching were Justin Ho from Supreme Group, CHASS chairwoman Datin Dona Drury-Wee, Gregory Tan from Grab and TEGAS chief executive office, Udin Bujang.
