Taib to entrepreneurs: Use incubation centre to prosper

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Taib being briefed by Liew during his ICube office visit. — Photos by Muhd Rais Sanusi

Taib being briefed by Liew during his ICube office visit. — Photos by Muhd Rais Sanusi

Taib (right) signs a commemorative poster on the wall of the ICube office as Liew (left) and others look on.

Taib (right) signs a commemorative poster on the wall of the ICube office as Liew (left) and others look on.

KUCHING: Youth entrepreneurs should tap the opportunities available following the opening of an incubation centre here in order to prosper.

Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said the presence of big companies, especially at the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy, needed the services of smaller businesses to survive.

“Big companies need smaller companies to survive, especially for raw and semi processed materials. Therefore, smaller businesses by locals must grab this opportunity,” he said at the opening of iCube Innovation Sdn Bhd at Pending yesterday.

“Small companies can team up (among themselves) to supply raw materials to the big players.”

Taib said many people failed to realise the spinoff effects from the presence of giants in SCORE.

He reminded young entrepreneurs that the business world was one filled with challenges, and the incubation centre could be used to shape their business ventures.

On another matter, Taib said due focus should also be given to the rural areas.

“We should not focus literally on the urban areas. We must also go rural to give others a chance to dabble in business.”

iCube Innovation Centre founder cum chairman Datuk Patrick Liew said the Our.Youth.My youth development programme managed to tap a pool of potential young leaders.

“They are talented in various fields, such as sports, cultural, educational and recreational activities. What seems to be their foremost struggle is not only the capital to start with but also their thirst for guidance and practical steps to turn their wonderful ideas into reality,” said Liew.

He added that the incubation centre was more of a transition venue, providing a dynamic working environment, consultation, networking and training to these youths.

The incubation centre offers a top-notch contemporary co-working environment with 7,300 sq.ft (to be expanded to 10,000 sq.ft by December this year) dedicated to create start-up companies and nurture young entrepreneurs.