Greater digital access is indispensable

KUCHING: Sarawak small and medium enterprises (SMEs) need greater access to technology, markets and business opportunities to remain competitive with businesses in major urban centres.

Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Malaysia (SAMENTA) Sarawak chairman Theophilus Wong said limited exposure could leave local SMEs behind amid rapid technological and market changes.

He called for closer cooperation between businesses, government ministries and training institutions to strengthen SME capabilities.

“There is a significant gap in exposure and opportunity for local Sarawakian SMEs compared to their counterparts in major urban hubs,” he said at the SAMENTA Hyperlokal AI Fest and Government-Industry Dialogue 2026 Kuching Chapter recently.

Meanwhile, SAMENTA national secretary-general Christopher Ng said the association aimed to complete 10,000 SME digital-readiness assessments by year-end, with more than 2,000 usable reports collected.

He said the assessments would identify weaknesses in digital competitiveness, artificial intelligence (AI) adoption and environmental, social and governance (ESG) readiness.

The findings would also help government agencies channel assistance more effectively, particularly to SMEs outside major cities.

Ng said digitalisation and AI could help smaller businesses compete with larger enterprises.

“With digitalisation, with AI, with technology, small guys can beat the big guys,” he said.

Wong also stressed the importance of preserving human interaction alongside technological advancement.

“We must never lose the human touch that drives genuine connection and leadership,” he said.