THE Sarawak government has established seven digital innovation hubs, aimed at promoting and nurturing talents to creative innovation among youth.
Trade and Industry, Industrial Terminal and Entrepreneur Development Assistant Minister Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais said such facility was to serve as an inclusive platform to support and empower early-stage start-ups and social enterprises in Sarawak.
“The hub aims to encourage the young people to participate in digital technology.
“This is a place for them to innovate where they can create new products and they can go into any market they want,” he said in response to additional question posed by Martin Ben (PBB-Kedup) during the Q&A session at the DUN sitting held on Tuesday (Nov 10).
Naroden pointed out the hub’s facilities would provide a conducive environment for human capital development.
“With a co-working space, high speed internet, discussion rooms, knowledge sharing and capacity development programmes as well as access to Sarawak Digital Village Ecosystem Network, youth can work together with private sector to guide them,” he added.
Another digital facility was the setting up of Digital Community Centre (DCC) initiated by Local Government and Housing Ministry and Sarawak State Library (Pustaka)
“DCC serves to empower the skills and abilities of the community so that they will not be left out from the digital economic transformation mainstream.
“The facility is equipped with broadband internet services, laptops and tablets, digital video conferencing, makerspace equipment including 3D printers, 3D pens and computers, micro and online books collections and digital information,” he said.
For promotion and marketing, Naroden said Sarawakian entrepreneurs, whether in Sarawak or in Kuala Lumpur and other parts of the country, can hop on board the Sarawak Product Pavilion (SPP) and Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (Statos) in Singapore, to sell their products to bigger markets outside the state.
“SPP is the state government’s e-commerce platform and the biggest setback for Sarawak entrepreneurs, in marketing their products, is access to tap into a bigger market.
“To explore the global market, bring in more investments, promote trade and attract more tourists to the state, Statos office serves as a one-stop centre for investment and businesses, as well as tourism players in Singapore who want to know more about Sarawak,” he explained.
