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The government plays a crucial role in facilitating and crafting innovation ecosystems. Well-crafted programmes and incentives can create conducive environments through policies, funding, and infrastructure development. Examples include investment in education, research, entrepreneurship programs, regulatory frameworks, and fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and startups.

The result is to facilitate the economy’s growth and attract a hyper-realised network of investors and business support from other nearby ecosystems. As such, participation in regional events and conferences helps boost and accelerate the intended results in less time, evidenced by SDEC’s participation at Echelon X.

A dynamic hub facilitated by active government intervention

A blueprint of active government support, Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation Berhad (SDEC) was incorporated in January 2018 and operationalised in July 2020 as a company wholly owned by the Sarawak Government under the purview of the Ministry of Finance and New Economy.

SDEC is entrusted to lead the implementation of Sarawak’s digital economy initiatives, focusing on the private sector economy. They aim to catalyse an inclusive innovation ecosystem benefitting innovators, start-ups, and digital entrepreneurs. This includes rolling out economic sectors’ commercial projects in partnership with multinational corporations, small and medium enterprises, and the rest of the private sector.

Also read: JDI hosts Vietnam Pavilion: Spotlighting innovation at Echelon X

Further supporting the ecosystem’s growth, SDEC also aims to implement, operate, and maintain Sarawak’s digital infrastructures, engage in research, and accelerate innovation and IPs into the private commercialisation and public sectors.

Some sample programs by Sarawak establish their efforts into realised, vital, and strong digital players. Under digital infrastructure, they are implementing SMART towers and rural broadband networks to strengthen internet access. Technology services and digitalisation consultancy services are also available for the private sector and relevant agencies, and programs centred around innovation and entrepreneurship include accelerator programs, digital malls, digital innovation hubs and other founder-centred programmes.

Universities and labs are also available for research and product development. SDEC also provides the Digital Economy Testbed and Digital Skills & Workforce Transformation offering to help hone technological advancement efforts. Innovators can explore opportunities to interface, strengthen industry linkages, and roll out their R&D results to the public.

Other Digital Economy Projects include:

• Rabies App
• MyHappy Pet
• SD Engage
• Quantum Vision
• IoT Smart Farming
• IoT Technology & Facilities for Inland Fisheries
• Sarawak Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Services & Management

As reported by The Edge Singapore in 2024, the Sarawak government is also actively investing in innovation and growing its start-up ecosystem. Thanks to the aid of 22 government and business-funded innovation hubs and a Digital Village, 26 start-ups and 27 high-tech research projects are currently undergoing acceleration towards commercialisation.

Also read: AI4Health Asia Accelerator showcases innovative solutions in healthcare at the culmination event

The Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030 further outlines its rationale and roadmap to achieving stronger linkages and more success stories. Launched in October 2023, it details how the state will achieve inclusive, responsible, and sustainable socio-economic development.

Explore, grow and develop with the Sarawak Ecosystem

The nurturing of startup ecosystems is at the forefront of the government’s initiatives to forge partnerships, bridge gaps, and enable stakeholders to ensure a competitive, innovative, and inclusive regional landscape. As such, SDEC is looking at programs and initiatives such as hackathons, boot camps, pre-accelerators, and accelerators to partner with at the regional level. SDEC is currently looking at initiatives within Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore.

They are looking forward to participating in the Government Pavilion, where SDEC will showcase our startups, partners, and initiatives and build relationships with other government agencies, partners, investors, ecosystem players, and participants through networking opportunities.

Their presence at Echelon X marks the beginning of their renewed involvement in the regional ecosystem. SDEC is looking forward to further strengthening its partnership with e27 and other participating agencies and building a more robust ecosystem in Sarawak through other partners’ advice and experiences. 

To provide more context to curious Echelon X participants, Khairool Adzelan Aman, SDEC’s Manager for Ecosystem Development and Digital Innovation, will be part of a panel titled “Driving Impactful Innovations in the New Economy in Malaysia.” The panel aims to shed some light on what’s happening in Malaysia lately. For this segment, our moderated panel will jump into the country’s growing economic landscape and potential for driving impactful innovations in Southeast Asia. The session will discuss Malaysia’s efforts to embrace digital transformation, foster innovation, and build a sustainable economy in the post-pandemic era.

Also read: Discover promising early-stage startups across Southeast Asia with A2D Ventures

Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation is one of the many exciting industry leaders from across the Southeast Asian region who will be joining us for Echelon X. Joining them are other key leaders, visionary entrepreneurs, and groundbreaking startups from all corners of the region who will be gathering together for two packed days. Echelon X will feature dedicated content stages, exhibitions, panel discussions, and more — all to support and empower the tech startup ecosystem with actionable insights through a series of knowledge-sharing activities.

Whether you’re eager to expand your knowledge, network with key players from the tech startup scene, or showcase your innovative ideas, Echelon X offers an unparalleled experience. Join us as a participant or an official partner by securing your spot now on our official page. Together, let’s embark on a journey to shape the future and create a lasting impact.

Join us at Echelon 2024, where innovation knows no limits, and the possibilities are endless!

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