Latest news with #SBAN
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
SDEC, MBAN tie-up to boost angel investment
Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. KUCHING: Sarawak Digital Economy Corp's (SDEC) initiative, the Sarawak Business Angel Network (SBAN), has signed a memorandum of agreement with the Malaysian Business Angel Network (MBAN) to strengthen the angel investment ecosystem in the state yesterday. SDEC said in a statement that the partnership aimed to connect Sarawak's investor community with national and regional networks, expand access to quality deal flow and share best practices in angel investing. Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the formation of SBAN marked a bold step forward in building a community of angel investors in Sarawak visionaries who invest not only in companies, but also in people and possibilities. 'We want to see our own homegrown startups get backed by Sarawakian investors. We want to see our innovations reach beyond our borders. 'I would like to thank the SEDC for its continued leadership in enabling this ecosystem and MBAN for partnering with us to share your national experience and best practices,' he said in a statement. Abdul Karim also urged potential angel investors to consider not just the return on investment, but also the return on impact. 'Our startups continue to dream boldly, solve real problems, and build with purpose. You now have a growing network of support behind you,' he added. — Bernama
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak Business Angel Network officially launched to boost local startups
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. entrepreneurship Sarawak Business Angel Network startup
The Star
5 days ago
- Business
- The Star
SBAN, MBAN ink deal to bolster angel investment ecosystem in Sarawak
Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah KUCHING: Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation's (SDEC) initiative, the Sarawak Business Angel Network (SBAN), today signed a memorandum of agreement with the Malaysian Business Angel Network (MBAN) to strengthen the angel investment ecosystem in the state. SDEC said in a statement today that the partnership aimed to connect Sarawak's investor community with national and regional networks, expand access to quality deal flow and share best practices in angel investing. The signing ceremony, held in conjunction with the official launch of SBAN, was witnessed by Sarawak Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development II Datuk Ripin Lamat, with SBAN represented by its chairman Datuk Patrick Liew, and MBAN represented by its president Peter Wee. Meanwhile, Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the formation of SBAN marked a bold step forward in building a community of angel investors in Sarawak visionaries who invest not only in companies, but also in people and possibilities. "We want to see our own homegrown startups get backed by Sarawakian investors. We want to see our innovations reach beyond our borders. "I would like to thank the SEDC for its continued leadership in enabling this ecosystem and MBAN for partnering with us to share your national experience and best practices,' he said in his text of speech read by Ripin. Abdul Karim also urged potential angel investors to consider not just the return on investment, but also the return on impact. "Your support can empower rural entrepreneurs, women-led ventures, indigenous innovators and many more changemakers across our state. "Our startups continue to dream boldly, solve real problems, and build with purpose. You now have a growing network of support behind you,' he added. The event also featured a panel discussion titled "Building a Robust Angel Investment Ecosystem: Lessons from MBAN and Opportunities for SBAN', with panel members comprising SDEC chief executive officer Datuk Sudarnoto Osman, Cradle group chief executive officer Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, Liew and Wee. - Bernama
Barnama
5 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
SBAN, MBAN Ink Deal To Bolster Angel Investment Ecosystem In Sarawak
REGION - SARAWAK > NEWS The Sarawak Business Angel Network (SBAN) signs a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Malaysian Business Angel Network (MBAN) to strengthen Sarawak's angel investment ecosystem and connect the state's investor community with national and regional networks. The signing ceremony is witnessed by Deputy Minister for Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development II, Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat (centre). SBAN is represented by its Chairman, Datuk Patrick Liew (third, left), while MBAN is represented by its President, Peter Wee. KUCHING, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation's (SDEC) initiative, the Sarawak Business Angel Network (SBAN), today signed a memorandum of agreement with the Malaysian Business Angel Network (MBAN) to strengthen the angel investment ecosystem in the state. SDEC said in a statement today that the partnership aimed to connect Sarawak's investor community with national and regional networks, expand access to quality deal flow and share best practices in angel investing. The signing ceremony, held in conjunction with the official launch of SBAN, was witnessed by Sarawak Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development II Datuk Ripin Lamat, with SBAN represented by its chairman Datuk Patrick Liew, and MBAN represented by its president Peter Wee. bootstrap slideshow Meanwhile, Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the formation of SBAN marked a bold step forward in building a community of angel investors in Sarawak visionaries who invest not only in companies, but also in people and possibilities. 'We want to see our own homegrown startups get backed by Sarawakian investors. We want to see our innovations reach beyond our borders. 'I would like to thank the SDEC for its continued leadership in enabling this ecosystem and MBAN for partnering with us to share your national experience and best practices,' he said in his text of speech read by Ripin. Abdul Karim also urged potential angel investors to consider not just the return on investment, but also the return on impact. 'Your support can empower rural entrepreneurs, women-led ventures, indigenous innovators and many more changemakers across our state. 'Our startups continue to dream boldly, solve real problems, and build with purpose. You now have a growing network of support behind you,' he added.
