Sarawak SMEs gain hands-on digital skills, 5G insights, and funding pathways to scale their businesses
KUCHING, 12 November 2025 – CelcomDigi Berhad (“CelcomDigi”) concluded its nationwide MY5G SME Digital Workshop 2025 series in Kuching, marking the finale of its year-long initiative to support digital adoption among Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Designed to turn digital transformation from concept into action, the workshop helped Sarawak entrepreneurs build practical skills, explore funding opportunities, and connect with key ecosystem partners.
Themed “Hornbill Rising: Sarawak SMEs Soaring with Digital,” the programme highlighted how Sarawak’s homegrown brands are scaling beyond borders by blending cultural heritage with digital innovation. In a fireside chat, Leaves Food Industries CEO Alan Chai Ming Lun shared how authenticity and digital tools helped transform local products into global-ready brands. This was complemented by insights from financial partners including BSN, SME Bank, CTOS, Funding Societies, and MoneyMatch, who discussed how transparent data and alternative financing models are making it easier for SMEs to access capital.
These insights were translated into action through the Arena Usahawan, a shark-tank style pitching platform that connected entrepreneurs directly with financiers, demonstrating that growth is no longer limited by size, but by the readiness to embrace digital solutions.
From Sape Strings to Digital Streams: Hands-on Learning for Sarawak SMEs
Building on this momentum, the workshop moved into hands-on learning with Sarawakian musician and inspiring local talent, Gideon Reed. He shared how artistry, personal branding, and digital platforms can reach global audiences, a practical example of how creativity and innovation can drive growth. Entrepreneurs had the opportunity to explore practical tools through TikTok Shop’s live streaming demo, speed business matching, and booths featuring AI-driven credit tools, business analytics, and 5G-enabled solutions from CelcomDigi Business — all designed to help ideas connect, grow, and scale.
Sharing his thoughts of the nationwide workshop tour, Chief Enterprise Business Officer of CelcomDigi, Ts. Afizulazha Abdullah said, “Sarawak is home to some of Malaysia’s most enterprising SMEs. This workshop connected them with funding, digital platforms, and technology partners, enabling adoption of digital tools, access to funding, and new market opportunities. When SMEs grow, communities and economies benefit, and we remain committed to keeping Sarawak firmly in the digital value chain.”
From Kuala Terengganu to Penang, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, and finally Kuching, the MY5G SME Digital Workshop 2025 series empowered more than 1,500 SMEs nationwide to digitalise faster and smarter with 5G-powered solutions.
This Kuching tour marked the finale of the MY5G SME Digital Workshop series of the year, with CelcomDigi set to continue supporting Malaysian SMEs in the year ahead. Entrepreneurs and business owners are invited to stay connected and explore upcoming workshops, digital solutions, and partnership opportunities through CelcomDigi’s Business website.
