Establishment of Dayak business centre in Miri being proposed

Borneo Post

05-05-2025

Snowdan (right) greets those attending the 11th Miri Gawai Dayak Bazaar in Permyjaya.
MIRI (May 5): Having a Dayak business centre can greatly assist entrepreneurs from this community here.
This was highlighted by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Datuk Snowdan Lawan in his opening speech for the 11th Miri Gawai Dayak Bazaar at Permyjaya here on Saturday night, where Mayor Adam Yii was also present.
'I'd like to propose for the establishment of a Dayak business centre in Miri.
'In Sarawak, we are fortunate to have ample land and possibly, existing buildings that could be repurposed for this cause.
'This centre could cater to both small-scale and large-scale business operations run by the Dayak community,' he said.
Adding on, Snowdan said such a facility could enable the Dayak entrepreneurs to develop business models and explore more opportunities, including into sectors like property development.
'More importantly, the business centre could also serve as a training ground for emerging Dayak entrepreneurs – helping them build capacity, gain market access, and refine their business strategies.
'My vision is for Miri to pioneer this initiative, and eventually, to see a Dayak business centres established in every district in Sarawak.'
On a relevant note, Snowdan called upon members of the Dayak community here to venture out of their comfort zone and explore entrepreneurship.
'Today, we see many Dayaks in industries such as offshore, teaching, nursing, and other sectors. While these professions are noble, I encourage our community to look beyond the conventional; to explore entrepreneurship and other emerging industries.
'Let us challenge ourselves to grow, diversify, and innovate.'
The deputy minister also advised those already in business to always support one another, so that they could grow and prosper together.
'There is much we can learn from the success of other communities, especially the Chinese.
'One critical lesson is unity – uplift one another, instead of bringing each other down.
'We must rid ourselves of the 'crab mentality' and instead, embrace a culture of encouragement and collaboration.
'The Iban community alone numbers around 900,000 in Sarawak. Though we are not a large group, our strength lies in our unity and mutual support,' he stressed.
Snowdan also encouraged Dayak-based non-government organisations (NGOs) here to take advantage of the funding programmes made available by the ministry.
'We offer two main types of funding. The first one is the event's grant for the organisation of events promoting culture and the arts; the second one is Dana Mudahcara (Facilitation Fund) for NGOs to conduct workshops on skills such as traditional costume-making, 'ngajat' (Iban traditional dance) classes, and production of handicrafts.
Later, Snowdan announced an allocation of RM20,0000 for Gagasan Anak Dayak Sarawak, in support of its organisation of the annual Gawai Dayak Bazaar.
The 11th Miri Gawai Dayak Bazaar is currently taking place in Permyjaya until this May 24.
Themed 'Berdagang, Berami, Begawai' (Trade, Gather and Celebrate), this year's edition features 54 food and beverage stalls, as well as 20 handicraft stalls. dayak businesses entrepreneurs lead Snowdan Lawan