Jointly organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and the Sarawak State Government via the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED), the initiative was supported by strategic partners including Invest Sarawak Sdn. Bhd., EXIM Bank, and Capital Markets Malaysia.
Empowering Local SMEs for Global Competitiveness
Sarawak Export Day is part of MATRADE’s ongoing efforts to raise export awareness and build the export capabilities of local companies, especially micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The initiative aims to help them expand into international markets.
The event was officiated by Deputy Premier of Sarawak and MINTRED Minister YB Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, and also attended by MATRADE Chairman YB Dato’ Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican and MATRADE Board Member YBhg. Dato Mohammad Medan Abdullah.
Celebrating Export Excellence
Two local companies were recognised with MATRADE’s Best Exporter Award for Sarawak. Iana Corporation Sdn. Bhd., known for its Sarawak layered cakes and biscuits, won under the MSME Category, while Tuong Aik Shipyard Sdn. Bhd., a shipbuilding and repair engineering firm, was awarded in the Mid-Tier Company (MTC) Category.
YB Dato’ Seri Reezal Merican stated that this event exemplifies the Federal Government’s commitment to building a more inclusive and resilient export ecosystem. He emphasised Sarawak’s rising participation in MATRADE programmes as a promising indicator of export readiness:
“Sarawak has strong export potential. We are seeing growing participation from Sarawak companies in MATRADE’s export development initiatives, and this momentum must continue to ensure more entrepreneurs can compete on the global stage,” he added.
MATRADE’s Role as Export Facilitator
Dato’ Seri Reezal Merican reaffirmed MATRADE’s role in supporting exporters through business matching, export promotion, and capacity development initiatives:
“Between 2024 and May 2025, a total of 382 companies from Sarawak have received support under MATRADE’s export development and promotion programmes, generating nearly RM1 billion in export value,” he said.
Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships
The event also served as a key platform for enhancing collaboration between the public and private sectors to drive Sarawak’s export growth. Key activities included engagement sessions, business matching, export clinics, and technical briefings involving various agencies and financial institutions.
Looking ahead, MATRADE will continue its Export Day series in other states, with Selangor and Negeri Sembilan scheduled for August 2025. These nationwide efforts are part of a broader push to enable more local businesses to access global markets and foster inclusive, sustainable export growth.
