Tinyport brings local flavours to DUN

KUCHING: The Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting has taken on a different flavour with the arrival of Tinyport at DUN, bringing together nine local food and beverage brands in a community-driven initiative to showcase local entrepreneurship.

Running from October 12 to 21, the eight-day event operates daily from 7am to 6.30 pm, offering food, coffee and refreshments to those attending and working at the assembly.

Organised by Tinyport Community, the initiative aims to introduce a more welcoming atmosphere to the formal setting of DUN, where discussions and decisions on Sarawak’s future take centre stage.

Founder of Tinyport and Tinyslush, Mohd Azmeerul Al-bakri Ali, said the initiative was about more than bringing a food bazaar to a new location, as it also sought to create opportunities for local businesses to connect with a wider audience.

He said the DUN sitting presented an opportunity to bring the community’s concept into a different environment while demonstrating that local entrepreneurs could deliver quality products and professional service in a formal institutional setting.

“For us, this is more than just opening a café in a different location. It is an opportunity to bring our concept into a new environment while creating a platform for local SMEs and entrepreneurs to gain exposure for their brands, products and experiences,” he said.

The initiative brings together nine brands, ranging from home-based businesses to established local entrepreneurs, offering a variety of meals, beverages and desserts to cater to different tastes.

Among them are Tinyslush, which serves slushies and other refreshing beverages; Lala Laksa from Bau, known for its Sarawak laksa; Laila Cafe, serving kolo mee; and Pinang Bistro from Samarahan, offering nasi lemak. The lineup also includes Oregano, specialising in pasta; Hungry Amigos, serving sandwiches; Lisse, offering ice cream; whipped, known for its banana pudding; and Fa’vlova, featuring traditional kuih and desserts.

Tinyport Community regularly organises mini-events in conjunction with various occasions and celebrations, providing opportunities for local businesses to showcase their products and connect with the public.

Through this edition, the community hopes to demonstrate how such collaborations can bring different brands together while introducing them to audiences beyond their usual business settings.

Azmeerul said the experience was a meaningful milestone for Tinyport Community, allowing it to explore new possibilities for local entrepreneurs while bringing food, coffee and community into a setting where such an experience might not ordinarily be expected. The initiative reflects the community’s aspiration to grow beyond its original boundaries and create further opportunities for local businesses.