Sarawak’s leapfrogging efforts from conventional economy to digital economy can be made possible with its talented human capital and a comprehensive digital ecosystem that they can thrive in.
Chief Minister YAB Datuk Amar Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg said this when during the launch of the TEGAS Digital Innovation Hub that was held at ICOM Square, Kuching on 28 August 2017.
He added that by providing high speed Internet across the State, young Sarawakians from urban and rural areas would be able to gain access to data – deemed the most valuable resource today – and capitalise on it for innovation and production of new processes that could contribute to the State economy.
In order for all Sarawakians to benefit from digital hubs such as the TEGAS Digital Innovation Hub, he noted the more hubs would be established in other major cities across the State.
The hub itself is an initiative by the Sarawak State Government and Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Bumiputera Sarawak (TEGAS) that serves as a platform to nurture talents, support entrepreneurs and create innovators for Sarawak.
Managed by TEGAS and located at ICOM Square, it offers start-ups the opportunity for expansion, ready access to high-speed broadband, funding and facilitation opportunities, entrepreneurial-friendly ecosystem, talent development programmes, holistic convenience and lifestyle experience.
The launch of the hub also saw TEGAS exchanging Memoranda of Understand (MoUs) with its strategic partners as a measure in further enriching the ecosystem in the hub through #InnovateSarawak – a campaign that aims to promote creativity and innovation and provide growth opportunities for start-ups through strategic collaborations.
These strategic partners include Sarawak Shell Berhad, Malaysian Global Innovation & Creativity Centre (MaGIC), Australian Trade & Investment Commission (Austrade), SME Corporation Malaysia, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak and Media Prima Labs.
