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Ripin (standing behind, centre) witnesses the MoA exchange between Liew (third left) and Wee. Also seen on stage are Sudarnoto (right) and Norman (second left). – Photo by Roystein Emmor
KUCHING (Aug 14): The Sarawak Business Angel Network (SBAN) was officially launched today, marking a significant step towards strengthening the state’s early-stage investment ecosystem and driving its innovation-led economy.
Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, described the launch as a milestone and a bold and timely initiative that reflects Sarawak’s commitment to nurturing innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic growth.
“In Sarawak, we are not just building roads and bridges.
“We are building the infrastructure of ideas, talent, and opportunity,” he said in a speech read by his deputy, Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, at Makeramai Makerspace, Plaza Merdeka here.
Abdul Karim stressed that innovation requires more than just funding ― it demands belief, mentorship, collaboration, and strategic risk-taking ― and that SBAN’s role is to bridge the gap between ambition and opportunity by connecting entrepreneurs with supportive angel investors.
“With the formation of SBAN, Sarawak is making a bold declaration: We are ready to grow our own community of angel investors ― individuals who are not just investing in businesses, but in people, ideas, and the future of our state,” he said.
He also urged investors to consider ‘return on impact’ by supporting rural entrepreneurs, women-led ventures, indigenous innovators, and changemakers.
SBAN chairman Dato Patrick Liew said the launch was the result of more than three years of work, with the network officially established in March 2025.
He noted the significance of SBAN’s strategic partnership with the Malaysian Business Angel Network (MBAN), which he described as the national angel investment backbone.
“SBAN now stands as a critical platform to support and strengthen the Sarawak startup community,” Liew said,
highlighting EB Tech Senabah, a Sarawak startup mentored by the network that will represent Malaysia at the Startup World Cup in San Francisco this October, as proof that local talent can compete on the global stage.
“One thing becomes clear — building a thriving ecosystem is not impossible, but it requires committed support, guidance, mentorship, and coaching.
“Ultimately, my passion and goal is to see Sarawak-born startups succeed on the global stage,” he said.
The launch was attended by Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation Berhad (SDEC) chief executive officer Dato Ir Ts Sudarnoto Osman, MBAN president Peter Wee, Cradle group chief executive officer Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, and council members from both SBAN and MBAN.
A highlight of the event was the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MoA) between SBAN and MBAN, witnessed by Ripin, SDEC and Cradle representatives.
The collaboration aims to link Sarawak’s investor community to national and regional networks, expand access to quality deal flow, and share best practices in angel investing.
The event also featured a panel discussion on building a robust angel investment ecosystem, with Liew, Sudarnoto, Wee, and Norman sharing insights and opportunities for SBAN’s growth.
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