KUCHING: The state government needs more support and assistance from the federal government to develop its human capital in the technical and vocational sector.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem said for Sarawak to achieve its vision of becoming a high income state by 2030, the state could no longer rely on commodity activities to drive its economy.
“In order to be a developed state by 2030, we should pay attention to entrepreneurship and industrialisation. In order to ensure that this vision is achieved, the government will continue to invest in human capital development.
“We are also calling for more assistance from the federal government in human capital development to create a bigger impact,” Adenan said at the Gathering of Rising Entrepreneurs, Act Together (GREAT) 2016 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching yesterday. His text of speech was read out by Second Resource Planning and Environment Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan.
On GREAT 2016, Adenan said this programme was held to celebrate entrepreneurship in the state, especially those in the small-medium enterprises (SMEs).
SMEs, he added, was the backbone of the nation’s economy, whereby 90 per cent of businesses in the country were from SMEs.
“It is not easy to assemble so many entrepreneurs in a high impact programme like GREAT. I want more Sarawakian entrepreneurs to fully utilise this opportunity.
“I hope this programme will help to increase the ability of our entrepreneurs in entrepreneurship and industrialisation.”
Meanwhile, Finance Ministry secretary-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah said the people’s presence at GREAT 2016 over the weekend was a show of support not only for the government but also for the nation to foster the spirit of entrepreneurship.
“What is great about GREAT is we have created this programme as a gathering of all entrepreneurs. If you’re a Malaysian who is presently or who wants to become an entrepreneur, this is the gathering you cannot afford to miss. You can do networking and meet all kinds of entrepreneurs.”
Mohd Irwan said the two-day event had attracted about 5,000 entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs, with 60 booths operated by 22 government agencies and 30 entrepreneurs.
During the event, classes on fashion, tourism, culture, halal industry and agro-business were also held for interested participants.
“Everybody can become an entrepreneur and make their dreams come true. We want you to produce new ideas and develop new products and technologies for sustainable development. The whole thing is to make this world a better place to live.”
