The SME Association of Malaysia (SME Malaysia) is strengthening business ties between East and West Malaysia through a three-day entrepreneurial exchange programme in Sarawak.
Led by the association’s National Young Entrepreneurs Bureau, the programme brought 17 entrepreneurs from West Malaysia to Sarawak from 12 to 14 August 2026. The visit focused on youth entrepreneurship, Sarawak’s economic development and new opportunities for cross-regional business collaboration.
The programme received support from SME Malaysia’s national leadership and SME Sarawak. It also connected participants with government leaders, young entrepreneurs and business organisations across the state.
Exploring Sarawak’s Economic Opportunities
A key highlight was a meeting with YB Datuk Amar Professor Dr. Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Premier of Sarawak and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government.
The discussion gave the delegation an opportunity to learn more about Sarawak’s development priorities and economic direction. It also explored the role businesses can play in supporting the state’s continued growth.
SME Malaysia National Vice President Datuk Ada Poon highlighted the different strengths and opportunities found across East and West Malaysia.
She said SME Malaysia would continue to encourage closer engagement between entrepreneurs from both regions. Such engagement can help businesses better understand each other’s markets and identify areas for collaboration.
Strengthening Youth Entrepreneurship Through SYStartUP
The delegation also held an approximately two-hour roundtable with YB Datuk Dr. Ripin Lamat, Deputy Minister for Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development II (Entrepreneur Development).
The discussion focused on SYStartUP, Sarawak’s youth entrepreneurship development initiative.
The eight-day programme covers key areas such as:
- Business models
- Financial management
- Branding and marketing
- Certification
- Product validation
- Business pitching
- Follow-up engagement
The programme stood out to SME Malaysia’s National Young Entrepreneurs Bureau as a potential model for strengthening youth entrepreneurship training and mentoring.
National Young Entrepreneurs Bureau Chairman Teh Gaik Cheong said the initiative demonstrated the value of combining structured training with practical business application and continued follow-up.
The bureau will study the experience and explore similar approaches within SME Malaysia. Potential collaborations with universities and educational institutions could also support future youth entrepreneurship programmes.
Connecting Entrepreneurs Across Malaysia
Beyond government engagements, the delegation visited Serapi Farm and SaraNest Sarawak Borneo Bird Nest. These visits provided insights into local business operations and industry development in Sarawak.
The programme concluded with an East-West Malaysia Business Networking Night at Sheraton Kuching.
The event brought together nearly 70 entrepreneurs and business representatives from both regions. It also provided opportunities to connect with local government and the Sarawak business community.
Among those attending were Cr Tan Kai, Chairman of Padawan Municipal Council, and Dato Jonathan Chai Voon Tok, President of the Sarawak Business Federation.
SME Sarawak President Jordan Ong Chung Siang said stronger direct engagement could help businesses understand different industry strengths and market needs. It could also create a stronger foundation for future collaboration.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Young Entrepreneurs Chairman Ronald Ng Kho Fatt said greater interaction among young entrepreneurs could expand business networks. It could also encourage knowledge and resource sharing while strengthening economic ties between East and West Malaysia.
Building New Opportunities for Malaysian SMEs
Organising Chairperson Melise Chew said the programme encouraged entrepreneurs to move beyond familiar business environments.
The goal was to help participants build meaningful and long-term connections with government agencies, businesses and industry organisations.
For SME Malaysia, the Sarawak programme is part of a broader effort to give young entrepreneurs greater exposure to different markets, industries and business networks.
The National Young Entrepreneurs Bureau plans to continue organising cross-state business learning and entrepreneur exchange programmes.
As Malaysian SMEs look for new markets and partnerships, stronger connections between East and West Malaysia could create opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing and business expansion.
For young entrepreneurs in particular, these programmes provide a platform to learn from different markets while building relationships that can support future growth.
Learn from the East. Connect for the future. Create new opportunities.
