Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah
KUCHING: Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation’s (SDEC) initiative, the Sarawak Business Angel Network (SBAN), today signed a memorandum of agreement with the Malaysian Business Angel Network (MBAN) to strengthen the angel investment ecosystem in the state.
SDEC said in a statement today that the partnership aimed to connect Sarawak’s investor community with national and regional networks, expand access to quality deal flow and share best practices in angel investing.
The signing ceremony, held in conjunction with the official launch of SBAN, was witnessed by Sarawak Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development II Datuk Ripin Lamat, with SBAN represented by its chairman Datuk Patrick Liew, and MBAN represented by its president Peter Wee.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the formation of SBAN marked a bold step forward in building a community of angel investors in Sarawak visionaries who invest not only in companies, but also in people and possibilities.
"We want to see our own homegrown startups get backed by Sarawakian investors. We want to see our innovations reach beyond our borders.
"I would like to thank the SEDC for its continued leadership in enabling this ecosystem and MBAN for partnering with us to share your national experience and best practices,” he said in his text of speech read by Ripin.
Abdul Karim also urged potential angel investors to consider not just the return on investment, but also the return on impact.
"Your support can empower rural entrepreneurs, women-led ventures, indigenous innovators and many more changemakers across our state.
"Our startups continue to dream boldly, solve real problems, and build with purpose. You now have a growing network of support behind you,” he added.
The event also featured a panel discussion titled "Building a Robust Angel Investment Ecosystem: Lessons from MBAN and Opportunities for SBAN”, with panel members comprising SDEC chief executive officer Datuk Sudarnoto Osman, Cradle group chief executive officer Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, Liew and Wee. - Bernama
