New partnerships, ASEAN dialogues, and real-world success stories mark Sarawak’s growing startup ecosystem
KUCHING, 23 OCTOBER 2025 – Sarawak’s Startup Village at the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS25) pulsed with entrepreneurial energy this week, bringing together founders, investors, creatives, and changemakers across two days of idea-driven exchanges, new collaborations, and technology showcases.
Powered by Cradle and organised by the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), Startup Village captured the optimism and ambition driving Sarawak’s digital-economy transformation. The launch was officiated by YB Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, representing YB Dato Roland Sagah Wee Inn, and attended by Dato Ir. Ts. Sudarnoto Osman, Chief Executive Officer of SDEC.
Day One opened with recognition for Digital Village Accelerator (DiVA) Cohort 4 recipients, with seven promising startups awarded up to RM150,000 in seed funding and business-development support. This was followed by the SeHebat Catalyst Programme, a joint initiative between SDEC and Yayasan Hasanah that empowers Sarawakian social enterprises with grants, mentorship, and digital enablement.
The day also celebrated student innovators through the TechFrontier Explorer x SCeNT Demo Day, where teams from Swinburne University and University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) showcased AI and sustainability-focused prototypes.
Four new Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) were exchanged, reflecting Sarawak’s growing attractiveness as a digital-innovation test bed:
- Evolving Brilliance Technologies Sdn Bhd and Lubok Tiara Plantations Sdn Bhd on digital palm-oil management systems.
- SDEC Karuna JV Sdn Bhd, Mandrill Tech Sdn Bhd and Servedeck Innovation Sdn Bhd on ESG-driven facility-management solutions.
- SDEC Karuna JV Sdn Bhd and Inspur Communication Malaysia Sdn Bhd on smart-city initiatives.
- Sarawak Biodiversity Centre and Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre Sdn Bhd on AI-enabled biodiversity innovation.
Day Two shifted gears into regional conversation and creative inspiration. The “Cross-Border Echoes” panel saw representatives from Vietnam, Brunei, and Sabah discuss ASEAN startup collaboration, while SDEC unveiled the DE Rantau Sarawak Pass, positioning the State as a digital-nomad hub. A masterclass by film critic Hassan Abd Muthalib explored AI’s role in cinematic storytelling, and a fireside chat on “Rebuilding After Failure” revealed candid lessons in resilience from Sarawak founders.
Capping the programme, the TikTok Shop Live Selling Competition Launch, officiated by YB Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Deputy Premier and Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment, highlighted Sarawak’s commitment to digital commerce. The initiative, part of the Sarawak Digital Mall by MINTRED, SDEC, and TikTok Shop, will see 100 MSME sellers compete in livestream knockout rounds leading up to a December finale at Kuching Waterfront.
“Startup Village shows how Sarawak’s innovation story is no longer confined to theory. It is unfolding in real collaborations, new business models, and fresh talent. What we are seeing here are the building blocks of Sarawak’s next economy, one that’s digital, inclusive, and proudly homegrown,” said Dato Ir. Ts. Sudarnoto Osman, CEO of SDEC.
From digital agriculture to creative AI, Startup Village at IDECS25 proved that Sarawak’s entrepreneurs are not just participating in the regional innovation race, they are helping to shape its direction.
For more information on Startup Village at IDECS25, visit www.idecs.com.my or follow @IDECS25 on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram using the hashtags #IDECS25 #AI #GreenTech #DigitalEconomy.