KUCHING: As Sarawak is now regarded as a region, more opportunities will come, said Business Events Sarawak (Sarawak Convention Bureau) Chairman Datuk Seri Abang Abdul Karim Tun Openg.
In light of this, he urged local business communities to step up the game by actively contributing to and accelerating the region’s economic development and growth, including in sectors of the new economy.
He noted that Sarawak has a stable political landscape, a sound financial foundation, is rich in resources, and has a strong renewable energy industry.
“In Malaysia, politically, we are the most stable region. As Sarawak now is a region, we are becoming bigger.
“We are fortunate. In Sarawak, we have a lot of resources. In terms of energy, we are the richest in resources.
“You have to be more dynamic, continue to innovate and create, embrace new technologies, and keep pace with the development of the economy,” he said when officiating at the grand opening of Kapitan Restaurant at Emporium here today.
As such, he exhorted the business community to respond more forcefully and swiftly in order to hasten Sarawak’s development.
Abang Abdul Karim, who is also the president of Sarawak Business Federation (SBF) pointed out that Sarawak government, is making all efforts to promote tourism industry.
He noted that Sarawak is a destination that people are looking forward to, following that Kuching has been recognised globally by the UNESCO as the City of Gastronomy.
“Food and beverage is a very important part of the economy and the tourism sector, in which the spillover effect on the economy will bring benefits to the people.
“I believe Kapitan will be able to take the lead in creating unique menus that reflect Sarawak’s flavours. I hope you maintain Kapitan’s uniqueness not only in your food offerings but also in your attire as part of your branding.
“You have the ingredients for success,” he said.
Being the president of Sarawak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), Abang Abdul Karim also encouraged more business players to join relevant associations and chambers of commerce so they could build a strong network to grow their companies and look for new opportunities.
The food industry has intense competition, he said, and in order to succeed, one must put in a lot of effort and exercise great creativity.
The restaurant, which is Sarawak’s first Baba and Nyonya eatery, embraces the region’s diverse culinary culture.
The restaurant hopes to strengthen and have a positive impact on Sarawak’s food and tourism industries in addition to focusing on bringing and introducing Sarawak’s unique Baba and Nyonya tastes to consumers.
“At Kapitan Kuching, we bring the tangy and aromatic taste of Baba and Nyonya cuisine to Sarawak.
“Besides Peranakan cuisine, Kapitan Restaurant also celebrates the taste of multiethnic food culture by incorporating the unique taste of the multiethnic culture of Sarawak in the menu,” said Kapitan F&B Managing Director Kho Lian Shen.
Also present were Digital Economy Office (Cscao) chief scientist and chief advisor Prof. Jugdutt (Jack) Singh, Acting Director of Sarawak Agriculture Department Dominic Chunggat, Economic Planning Unit (EPU) deputy director of Project Strategy Tahir Mohd Sharee, as well as Kapitan F&B Sdn Bhd directors Jerry Toh and Goh Cheng Kui.
