Latest news with #LenTalif
Borneo Post
24-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Five Sarawak startups win big at Shell LiveWire 2025 state finals
Len Talif (standing, seventh left) with the winners and guests in a photocall after the Shell LiveWIRE Malaysia 2025 Sarawak award ceremony here today. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (May 24): Five Sarawak-based enterprises have been named state winners of the Shell LiveWire Malaysia 2025 Sarawak Challenge, following the state finals today at Tegas Digital Village here. The winning startups – Desa Inspirasi Resources, Earthlings Coffee Workshop Sdn Bhd, Lariss Quna Enterprise, Lettuboost, and Maxeon Technologies Sdn Bhd – were selected from over 60 participants who took part in the programme. These enterprises advanced through an intensive bootcamp, with 10 finalists making it to the final pitching round. Each winner received a RM10,000 startup fund from Shell, along with an additional RM5,000 grant from Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (Tegas). Beyond funding, the winners will benefit from one year of business coaching and access to Tegas' resources and networking opportunities. They will also gain the opportunity to engage with the global LiveWire network, and may be selected to compete in the prestigious Shell Global Top Ten Innovators Awards. The event was officiated by Sarawak Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment and Tegas chairman, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, who was accompanied by Tegas CEO Udin Bujang. 'We at Tegas are proud to partner with Shell Malaysia for the Shell LiveWire programme, a collaboration that underscores our commitment to nurturing local start-ups and social enterprises,' he said. 'This initiative highlights the vital role of entrepreneurship in driving economic development, generating employment, and fostering resilient communities,' he added. Shell Malaysia Upstream's General Manager of Sarawak Gas, Choong Yen Li, said Shell LiveWire offers a meaningful platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into impactful ventures. 'Through this initiative, individuals not only gain the opportunity to build their own businesses but also contribute towards job creation and community development,' she said. The judging panel for the finals included Tegas Manager Afida Zaidi, The Borneo Post Business Executive Editor and Kuching Division Journalists Association President Ronnie Teo, and Shell Malaysia Senior Manager (Mobility Sales and Operations) Dr Alex Pega Mahda. Shell LiveWire, the company's flagship enterprise development programme, was launched in Sabah in 2015, Sarawak in 2016, and Peninsular Malaysia in 2022. It aims to foster local entrepreneurship and promote innovative business solutions aligned with socio-economic development. Sarawak Challenge Shell LiveWire Malaysia 2025 tegas
Borneo Post
24-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Innovative entrepreneurship key to future-ready Sarawak, says Len Talif
Len Talif visits one of the booths set up at the event. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (May 24): Innovative entrepreneurship is key to realising Sarawak's vision of becoming a resilient and future-ready state, said State Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh. Speaking at the Shell LiveWIRE Sarawak 2025 award ceremony at Tegas Digital Village today, the Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (Tegas) chairman emphasised that while strategic government initiatives are in place, real transformation must be driven by entrepreneurs on the ground. 'Sarawak is undergoing a bold transformation, driven by strategic state initiatives in areas such as digital economy, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and social inclusivity. 'But the success of these efforts depends not just on policy. It needs the catalytic force of innovation from entrepreneurs like you. Your ideas, agility, and problem-solving mindset are essential to bridging gaps, accelerating change, and bringing these initiatives to life on the ground,' he said. He underscored the importance of tech-driven solutions, community-focused enterprises, and innovative business models in building a stronger, future-ready Sarawak. Len Talif also commended Shell for its continued support of the LiveWIRE programme. 'Shell has long been a valued partner in supporting entrepreneurship in Sarawak, and we are truly grateful for the continued commitment. 'The support has been instrumental to the success of Shell LiveWIRE Sarawak 2025, providing the resources, expertise, and encouragement that have helped budding entrepreneurs grow and thrive. 'We deeply appreciate your role in strengthening this vibrant ecosystem and the enduring synergy between Tegas and Shell in building a more innovative and inclusive future for Sarawak,' he said. This year's programme concluded with the announcement of five top Sarawakian entrepreneurs who will go on to represent the state at the national level. Len Talif reminded the winners that they now carry a greater responsibility not only for themselves, but for the entire entrepreneurial community in Sarawak. To further support their journey, each winner received an additional RM5,000 seed grant from Tegas. Len Talif also announced a special incentive: any Sarawakian who wins at the national level will receive an additional RM20,000 from Tegas, on top of the RM30,000 national prize. He described Tegas as 'the home of impact-driven innovation in Sarawak – a dynamic platform where ideas meet purpose, and entrepreneurs are empowered to create lasting impact', and reaffirmed the organisation's long-term commitment to nurturing startups beyond initial bootcamps. 'It is a long-term investment in the future of our state. We remain dedicated to building a thriving, inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem that empowers local talent to succeed,' he said. Len Talif also encouraged young entrepreneurs to stay humble and resilient, stating that these values are crucial to long-term success. 'Failure isn't the end. It is often the beginning of deeper understanding and better decisions. The most resilient founders are those who stay curious, keep learning, and have the courage to start again when needed. 'Keep that mindset with you. I promise you, it will take you further than any shortcut ever could,' he advised. He concluded by congratulating the winners and thanking all participants for their passion and perseverance. 'This may be the end of the programme, but it is just the beginning of your journey as entrepreneurs. Keep building, keep learning, and most importantly, stay true to the purpose that brought you here. 'The road ahead will have its challenges, but you are not walking it alone. Tegas and the wider community are here to support you,' he said. Also present were Tegas chief executive officer Udin Bujang and Shell Malaysia social performance manager Iris Soh.
Borneo Post
23-05-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Len Talif: Mangrove licence holders statewide will need Permit to Enter Coupe before beginning operations
File photo of a mangrove forest in Bako. KUCHING (May 23): Mangrove licence holders across Sarawak will soon be required to apply for a Permit to Enter Coupe (PEC) before they can begin operations, said Datuk Len Talif Salleh. The Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment said at present, PEC is already being enforced in the Sarikei area, particularly the Rajang Basin. He explained that the PEC is an official document issued by the Sarawak Forest Department to logging licence holders, including those with mangrove licences, before they are allowed to operate. 'The PEC is part of the management and control process for logging operations, ensuring that all related activities are carried out legally and in compliance with established regulations and standard operating procedures. 'Before a PEC is issued, licensees are required to submit a Forest Engineering Plan, which includes a General Harvesting Plan and a Detailed Harvesting Plan. 'However, for mangrove licence areas, only the General Harvesting Plan is required,' he said during the question-and-answer session in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) here today. He pointed out a PEC is valid for nine months and allows licensees to commence logging within designated harvesting blocks, ensuring that all activities are regulated and systematic. He was responding to a question from Azizul Annuar Adenan (GPS-Tanjong Datu), who had asked about PEC enforcement for mangrove licence holders. Len Talif said the Forest Department held a PEC briefing session for mangrove licence holders on Feb 10 at the Kuching Regional Forest Office. 'The renewal of mangrove licences must comply with DF Circular No. 2/2019 (Restoration Programme within Licensed Area), which requires replanting of mangrove trees in equal or greater numbers than those harvested. 'Starting from the Sarikei area, particularly in the Rajang Basin, and eventually be enforced throughout Sarawak,' he said. When responding to a supplementary question, Len Talif outlined the key benefits of PEC enforcement for mangrove areas. 'First, it ensures that mangrove wood resources in Sarawak are managed systematically and sustainably by limiting logging areas based on a reasonable harvesting cycle and enforcing a minimum cutting diameter of no less than 10cm DBH (diameter at breast height),' he explained. He noted that extraction is monitored through pre-harvest stock inventories, helping to prevent over-harvesting and ensuring long-term resource availability. 'This is also to prevent logging outside licensed areas and curbs illegal logging activities in mangrove forests,' he said. In addition, Len Talif said the PEC framework will enhance coastal conservation efforts and strengthen governance in mangrove forest management, aligning with Sarawak's climate change mitigation strategies. 'Ultimately, it ensures that mangrove logging is carried out in a controlled and orderly manner, minimising ecological impact while supporting the sustainability of the mangrove wood industry and the socioeconomic wellbeing of local communities,' he added. lead Len Talif Salleh Permit to Enter Coupe
Borneo Post
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Len Talif: 30 areas in Opar approved for NCR land perimeter surveys, over 1,400 titles issued
Len Talif said 10 villages have been approved. Of these, two villages have been fully surveyed, with 415 land titles issued for one of them. – Roy KUCHING (May 22): A total of 30 areas within the Opar constituency have been approved for perimeter surveys of Native Customary Rights (NCR) land as of April 30 this year, said Sarawak Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh. Of the 30 areas, 26 have been surveyed, with 18 gazetted as Native Communal Reserves (Agriculture) while several other areas are still undergoing the survey process, including one facing objections, he said. 'In the second phase, nine areas have been approved for individual lot surveys, with three areas completed and five others still in progress,' said Len Talif at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today, in response to a question from Opar assemblyman Billy Sujang. He also reported that 1,411 land titles have been issued under Section 18 of the Sarawak Land Code. Regarding traditional village land surveys, Len Talif said 10 villages have been approved. Of these, two villages have been fully surveyed, with 415 land titles issued for one of them. 'Surveys for the remaining eight villages will commence soon, subject to the readiness of the land claimants on the ground,' he added. During a supplementary question session, Len Talif emphasised that the effectiveness of the survey process depends heavily on cooperation from the applicants. 'Land claimants must be prepared for their land to be surveyed by identifying and marking boundaries, and by submitting a rough sketch plan along with a list of claimants' names,' he explained. He noted that areas affected by disputes or the absence of claimant presence in the field have experienced delays in the survey process. 'Let us work together to resolve any disputes and disagreements among claimants to ensure the successful surveying of individual lots and the timely issuance of land titles,' he said. On the survey of 'pemakai menoa' and 'pulau galau' (native territorial domain), Len Talif said that Sarawak Bumiputera communities may submit their claims by completing the NTD A form, which is available at the Land and Survey Department counters or can be downloaded from the department's website. DUN Land Survey Len Talif NCR
Borneo Post
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Swiss NGO blames govt policy change for Upper Baram Forest Area project's termination
BMF claimed government policy change over logging core protection zone was the real reason for the termination of the ITTO-supported UBFA. — Photo from Facebook/Bruno Manser Fonds MIRI (May 21): Swiss non-governmental organisation (NGO) Bruno Manser Fonds (BMF) has claimed that policy change by the Sarawak government is to blame for the failure of the Upper Baram Forest Area (UBFA) project. In a statement, BMF director Lukas Straumann dismissed the state's stance that the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO) project was terminated because it failed to comply with several conditions. Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh said in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) yesterday that BMF had focused solely on the Penan community even though other communities such as the Kenyah, Kelabit, and Saban also have significant interests in the area. 'We are not willing to take the blame for a dodgy policy change by the Sarawak government. Len should be honest and acknowledge that Sarawak dropped the late chief minister (Pehin Sri) Adenan Satem's plan of protecting the UBFA's core zone of 79,000ha of primary forest – Sarawak's last primary forest outside the totally protected areas,' Straumann said. BMF claimed neither ITTO nor the Sarawak government answered letters questioning the reasons for the policy change and highlighting governance failures in the ITTO project. In the same statement, Celine Lim, managing director of Sarawak-based NGO SAVE Rivers said it worked with non-Penan communities and they were part of the UBFA Project Steering Committee. She claimed the Len Talif's statement in the DUN was 'intentionally divisive and incomplete to villainise the role of the NGOs'. According to the statement, the Swiss City of Basel, BMF, and the Japanese government had pledged to support the project with a total amount of US$556,000 (RM2.376 million). BMF and SAVE Rivers claimed after international funding was secured, Sarawak authorities unilaterally changed the project design and this area was no longer to be excised from the logging concessions but became part of a timber licence granted to a company. The NGOs claimed logging activities on the western flank of Gunung Murud Kecil are threatening biodiversity in the core zone of the former ITTO project. Yesterday, Len Talif said the ITTO agreed to UBFA being terminated during the Steering Committee Meeting on Oct 10 last year. He blamed BMF's focus on the Penan community, which risked undermining harmony among the communities. He pointed out the Sarawak government has signed four Project Agreement Letters of Consent with the ITTO – two projects on March 20, 2023 and another two on Sept 9, 2024 – with three of the projects being in Ulu Baram, while the fourth project is in Sungai Menyang, Lubok Antu. Since 1992, Len Talif said the Sarawak Forest Department has not cancelled any project signed with ITTO except for UBFA.
