KUCHING, Dec 15: Women play an important role in the economic growth nationwide said Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA63, and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali.
Based on the latest data in Malaysia Statistical Business Register published by the Department of Statistic Malaysia (DOSM), there were altogether 1,266,494 Micro, Small and Smell Enterprises (MSMEs) in 2021 which accounts for 97.4 percent of overall establishments.
Thereby, attention is now turning to small businesses as ways of boosting local economic growth, with the global economic uncertainty reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries are entering difficult periods of recession.
“Our women entrepreneurs are mostly among these establishments. Unleashing their economic power is one of the best solutions to achieve growth, dynamism, and ingenuity in the country and global economy.
“We need more women to be successful. I know there are many involved in entrepreneurship and leadership but their actual roles remain untapped,” she said this when officiating the DEWANITA DUBS Women Entrepreneurship Conference 2022 at a renowned hotel, today.
Hasidah noted that Sarawak government has achieved significantly in raising women’s economic empowerment, political participation, leadership and decision making powers.
Therefore, Sarawak has outlined a clear direction for the state to further prepare women, with emphasis on talent development through its Post Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“PCDS 2030 is a long-term development plan with Sarawak’s aspiration to become a thriving society driven by data and innovation so that everyone is able to enjoy economic prosperity, social inclusion and a sustainable environment.
“As such, women are welcome to participate to achieving PCDS 2030. I am confident that the state government has drawn up a comprehensive implementation plan and ensured that all development projects can be implemented effectively in order to benefit the people,” she pointed out.
Hasidah stressed that with the recent appointment of Datuk Sri Nancy Shukri for the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development post, Datuk Rubiah Wang for the Rural and Regional Development Deputy Minister as well as Datuk Hanifah Taib for Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs in the federal cabinet line up in the Unity Government, serve as anll examples for women to thrive not only in the business sector, but in leading the country as well. – TVS
