KUCHING: The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sarawak (ACCCIS) has been urged to strengthen its role as a key partner to the Sarawak Government in driving the state’s economic transformation, particularly in emerging high-growth sectors.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the state’s ambition to achieve a RM282-billion Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2030 under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 requires strong collaboration between the government and private sector.
“The Premier never said we depend only on government projects. It depends on the private sector working together to reach RM282-billion GDP.
“The government provides policy direction,” he said when speaking at the ACCCIS Chinese New Year Dinner at Ballroom 1, Imperial Hotel, on Friday night.
He stressed that in sectors such as green energy, hydrogen, digital economy and semiconductors, the government will not directly run businesses but will instead create enabling policies and frameworks.
“The private sector must step up. You must understand government direction – talk to the Permanent Secretary, understand the policy,” he said, calling on the Chinese Chamber to align closely with state development priorities.
Dr Sim described the period leading up to 2030 as crucial, noting that Sarawak’s GDP currently stands at around the mid-RM100 billion range and must double to meet the RM282-billion target.
He also underscored the importance of unity in ensuring the state’s continued success.
“Sarawak does not need division. Every community must play its part. If Sarawak succeeds, we all succeed,” he said, adding that the respect Sarawak commands today is the result of collective effort by all Sarawakians.
On institutional reform, Dr Sim highlighted the transformation of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), which are moving towards a more professional and commercially driven structure inspired by Singapore’s model.
Referring to Temasek Holdings, he said Sarawak aims to adopt best practices in governance and asset management to enhance competitiveness and efficiency.
He also emphasised talent development as a key pillar of growth, pointing to global examples where strong talent ecosystems have driven industrial dominance.
“If we want to compete globally, we must be prepared to compete. Competition builds capability,” he said, stressing that the next generations must be better equipped educationally and professionally to sustain Sarawak’s progress.
Dr Sim concluded by urging the business community to seize the opportunities presented under PCDS 2030 and work closely with the government to ensure Sarawak’s continued economic and social advancement.
“The Premier never said we depend only on government projects. It depends on the private sector working together to reach RM282-billion GDP.
“The government provides policy direction,” he said when speaking at the ACCCIS Chinese New Year Dinner at Ballroom 1, Imperial Hotel, on Friday night.
He stressed that in sectors such as green energy, hydrogen, digital economy and semiconductors, the government will not directly run businesses but will instead create enabling policies and frameworks.
“The private sector must step up. You must understand government direction – talk to the Permanent Secretary, understand the policy,” he said, calling on the Chinese Chamber to align closely with state development priorities.
Dr Sim described the period leading up to 2030 as crucial, noting that Sarawak’s GDP currently stands at around the mid-RM100 billion range and must double to meet the RM282-billion target.
He also underscored the importance of unity in ensuring the state’s continued success.
“Sarawak does not need division. Every community must play its part. If Sarawak succeeds, we all succeed,” he said, adding that the respect Sarawak commands today is the result of collective effort by all Sarawakians.
On institutional reform, Dr Sim highlighted the transformation of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), which are moving towards a more professional and commercially driven structure inspired by Singapore’s model.
Referring to Temasek Holdings, he said Sarawak aims to adopt best practices in governance and asset management to enhance competitiveness and efficiency.
He also emphasised talent development as a key pillar of growth, pointing to global examples where strong talent ecosystems have driven industrial dominance.
“If we want to compete globally, we must be prepared to compete. Competition builds capability,” he said, stressing that the next generations must be better equipped educationally and professionally to sustain Sarawak’s progress.
Dr Sim concluded by urging the business community to seize the opportunities presented under PCDS 2030 and work closely with the government to ensure Sarawak’s continued economic and social advancement.