Miri’s new innovation hub bodes well for Sarawak’s digital economy – Rep
MIRI: Young and aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs here now have a platform to further develop their talents.
Funded by Sarawak Multimedia Authority ( SMA) and managed by Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak ( Tegas), the SMA-Tegas Digital Innovation Hub ( TDIH) offers access to co-working space and shared amenities, funding opportunities and facilitation, incubation and acceleration programmes as well as an entrepreneur-friendly ecosystem.
According to Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau, who is also a Tegas board member, the hub also promotes growth opportunities for early start-ups, which in turn strengthens this community.
“I am very pleased with the establishment of this digital hub here, which serves as an inclusive avenue to nurture talents, support entrepreneurs and create innovators for Sarawak.
“This is in line with the vision of our Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg that the people, especially the younger generation, would be given all kinds of opportunities to drive Sarawak’s digital economy,” he told reporters when met after the launch of the TDIH at Miri Times Square yesterday.
Present at the ceremony were Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Tegas chief operating officer Awangku Merali Pengiran Mohamed, iCube Innovation founder and chairman Dato Patrick Liew, TDIH manager Manzoor Hayat Khan and SMA head of digital village Hazwan Razak.
In his remarks, Lee thanked the Sarawak government for establishing a digital innovation hub here.
“Sarawak government is walking the talk. This hub has the facilities that cater to all, especially the young people and those interested in digital entrepreneurship.
“I can see that we can also promote digital tourism. We can nurture more young entrepreneurs who want to go into the tourism industry, by turning them into becoming online travel agents,” said Lee.
Adding on, Awangku Merali emphasised that the hub would also cater to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programmes.
“There will also be talks conducted by experts in various fields, who will be sharing their experiences and expertise with the participants.”
Meanwhile Liew, who is TDIH consultant, said facilities and services offered at the digital hub would include fast Internet, which should be able to enhance the networking for online marketing among the young entrepreneurs.
According to him, the TDIH is the second of its kind outside Kuching after the one set up in Sarikei, which has been running for one-and-a-half years and ‘has gained tremendous success’ since its establisment.
“Next year, we will go into the rural areas including Limbang, Kapit, Betong and Baram – depending on the government’s direction,” said Liew.