KUCHING: The organisation of the Integrated Business Digitalisation Initiative @ Sarawak (BDI@Sarawak) reflects the government’s commitment to building a digital ecosystem that supports and strengthens collaboration between federal and state government agencies, solution providers, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Deputy Minister of Digital, Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong said that close collaboration with the state government and strategic partners such as the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) is the cornerstone in the success of this initiative.

“Through this collaboration, we ensure that programmes such as BDI@Sarawak are not only available to local businesses, but are also shaped based on their actual needs and aspirations,” he said.

He said this when speaking at the Launching Ceremony of the Integrated BDI@Sarawak at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here on Wednesday.

Sarawak Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi was present to officiate the launch.

Datuk Wilson Ugak also stressed the government's focus to strengthen digitalisation efforts at all levels, particularly involving SMEs as a mainstay of the country's economy, contributing 39.1 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

In the context of Sarawak, he said, SMEs have contributed RM29.7 billion to the state's economy in 2022, equivalent to 17.9 per cent of the state's GDP.

"The resilience and diversity of these SMEs have a direct impact on Malaysia's long-term competitiveness.

"Therefore, the government is accelerating efforts by expanding the SME digitalisation fund, providing affordable and reliable internet connections, and supporting skills development according to the needs of each state," he explained. -UKASnews