KUCHING: Entrepreneurs are encouraged to explore digital platforms as a means to attract customers, thereby expanding their businesses in the global market.

Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs, Information, and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol, highlighted that the digital revolution has transformed the business landscape. According to him, customers now prefer online shopping over traditional in-person purchases.

“One aspect I would like to share with you is the challenge of digital platforms, not only in Sarawak but across the world.

“Everything we do in business will be digitised with the growing presence of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

“The development of AI will inevitably influence how you conduct business and how you attract consumers or customers,” he explained.

He made these remarks during the 2024-2025 Consumer Choice Awards ceremony, held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Thursday.

He further elaborated that this shift should not be seen as detrimental to businesses but rather as a new chapter in expanding their reach, particularly in the global market.

During the ceremony, Datuk Abdullah had the honour of presenting the 2024-2025 Consumer Choice Awards to 50 recipients, including Sweet Food Convenience Store, Footsiie Q Reflexology Sdn Bhd, Affin Bank Berhad, Pusat Tusyen Unik, SEDC Permata Sdn Bhd, and others.

Also present at the event were Sarawak Branch Chairman of the National Consumer Action Council (MTPN), Wynson Ong Teck Ping, National Deputy President for International Policy and Strategy MTPN, Masrudi Abdul Rahman, Indonesian Consulate General representative in Kuching, Musa Derek Sairwona, Director of the Sarawak Information Department (JaPen) Helmy Hamid, Director of the Sarawak Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) Hamdan Jar’ee, Chief Executive Officer of Angkatan Zaman Mansang (AZAM) Sarawak Ali Suhaili, Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) representative Dr Charlie Dudang, Sarawak Department of Culture and Arts representative Noor Seela Noor Sulaiman, Head of the Sarawak Criminal Investigation Department (JSJ) Senior Assistant Commissioner Lukas Aket, Sarawak Anti-Money Laundering (AMLA) Unit Section Head Muhd Fahmi Hasrar, as well as other distinguished guests.-UKASnews