CM praises the association in getting Dayak community into business
MIRI: Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg applauded the Gagasan Anak Dayak Sarawak Association’s (GADS’) effort in getting members of the Dayak community to venture into business.
“GADS is a platform for members of the Dayak community who are keen to venture into business sectors, and I strongly believe it could help propel the community’s income. Hence this would help narrow the income gap between those living in the rural and those in urban areas,” said the Chief Minister at GADS’s dinner held at a local hotel here Thursday. The dinner, attended by about 800 association members and guests, also doubled as a pre-launch of its Gawai Dayak Bazaar 2019 which is to be held in May this year.
Abang Johari’s text of speech was read by State Legislative Assembly (DUN) deputy speaker Datuk Gerawat Gala who is also Mulu Assemblyman. He represented the Chief Minister at the dinner and pre-launch of the bazaar.
GADS’s Gawai Dayak Bazaar in May this year is expected to gather about 200 entrepreneurs.
The number has increased tremendously over the years since its inception in 2015. During its early formation the association gathered only 50 participants for the bazaar.
Abang Johari also said that apart from trading in a conventional way, the community should also be embracing technology to further transform their business.
“In today’s trend, transactions for the small and medium businesses are done by harnessing technology,” the Chief Minister said.
He added, the way forward for small and medium businesses and start-ups is to go digital and embrace technology.
He said the Internet of Things (IoTs) have created efficiencies in our daily activities so that the local communities are not left behind.
“Embracing technology advances to propel future growth,” he said.
During the dinner gathering, GADS received a total RM130,000 grants which included RM50,000 from Abang Johari ; RM30,000 from Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas ; RM20,000 from Local Government Assistant Minister Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil whereas Gerawat donated RM20,000 while Telang Usan Assemblyman Dennis Ngau and Sibuti Member of Parliament (MP) Lukanisman Awang Sauni contributed RM5,000 each.
Also present were Miri Mayor Adam Yii, Dennis Ngau, Penguang, Lukanisman and GADS president Vicky Gulin Shandom.
Meanwhile, Vicky in his opening remarks requested the state government to allocate the association a site for them to hold the bazaar.
