When we talk about entrepreneurship in Sarawak, the narrative has often been framed around economic growth, small business development, and digital transformation.
Yet, a quieter but powerful movement is emerging social entrepreneurship (SE) where profit-making businesses are deliberately designed to solve social, cultural, and environmental challenges.
In a state rich in cultural diversity and natural resources, the idea of building resilient and competitive communities through SE is more than an economic ambition it is a social contract.
Gaps in Inclusion and Sustainability
Despite Sarawak’s economic progress, rural-urban inequality and limited access to opportunities remain pressing challenges.
Many rural artisans, senior citizens, women entrepreneurs, and individuals with unique abilities still struggle to find sustainable sources of income.
Traditional business models often prioritize short-term profit over long-term community impact.
As a result, valuable cultural heritage, traditional crafts, and indigenous knowledge risk being overshadowed or lost in the race for modernization.
At the same time, environmental sustainability is becoming critical.
Waste management, green products, and renewable practices are no longer optional but necessary to protect Sarawak’s ecosystems.
Clearly, Sarawak needs new models that combine profit with purpose and that is where social entrepreneurship steps in.
SE*Hebat Blueprint and Ecosystem Support
Recognizing the potential of SEs, the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) launched the SE*Hebat Sarawak Blueprint in 2022.
Endorsed by the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED), the blueprint is part of Sarawak’s Digital and Innovation Ecosystem strategy.
Its vision is to nurture a community-centric entrepreneurial landscape where impact-driven businesses flourish alongside traditional SMEs.
Currently, Sarawak contributes about 7 per cent of social enterprises in Malaysia.
While this number is modest, leaders such as Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah see enormous potential for Sarawak to become a national model for SE, leveraging its cultural diversity, kinship traditions, and resources.
The blueprint sets the stage by providing reference frameworks, strategies, and enabling policies for individuals, businesses, and organisations interested in social entrepreneurship.
Social Enterprises in Action
The best way to understand the power of SE is to look at real-life examples.
1. SEHebat Catalyst Programme 2025
Seven Sarawak-based social enterprises were selected for a 12-month support programme, receiving mentorship, digitalisation assistance, and market access. Their initiatives highlight the diverse ways SE can address community challenges:
– Signs and Wonders : Inclusive learning tools for neurodivergent children.
– Heart Treasures : Skill development for youth with unique abilities to achieve independent living.
– H.M Success Company : Repurposing wood waste into eco-friendly products while providing jobs for single mothers in Sebuyau.
– Landik : Engaging senior citizens to preserve traditional crafts while earning income.
– Teduh Jiwa : AI-driven psychological support for marginalized communities.
– Borsa Food : ESG-based apprenticeship in sustainable food and beverage ventures.
– Illustrato Studio : Nurturing local creative talent and preserving cultural products.
These examples show that SEs can be economically viable and socially transformative.
2. UNIMAS Community Engagement
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) integrates SE into academia through its University-Community Social Entrepreneurship (UCSE) grant programmes.
For instance, students in Sri Aman worked with locals to produce eco-friendly soaps from plant extracts, combining materials engineering with income generation.
This model benefits both students (who gain applied experience) and communities (who gain new skills and revenue streams).
3. Corporate Partnerships: Sarawak Energy & DHL
Through the Artisans Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Programme, indigenous artisans from Bakun and Murum were trained in e-commerce, supply chain, and content creation.
With DHL and TikTok Shop’s support, artisans can now reach global markets, preserving cultural heritage while achieving economic mobility.
4. Government Support for Women Entrepreneurs
Sarawak has allocated RM25 million through Affin Bank to support women-led businesses.
Such funding demonstrates institutional recognition that women play a crucial role in driving social innovation and building resilient communities.
5. Coordinated State-Level Efforts
The Sarawak Entrepreneur Development Coordination Committee (SEDCC) continues to refine entrepreneurship policies, including digital platforms like Enbase, enabling better targeting of financial and capacity-building programmes.
Since 2021, over 45,500 entrepreneurs have received support worth RM199.49 million, with extended assistance reaching 177,000 entrepreneurs statewide.
Cultural and Social Resilience
These initiatives show that SE in Sarawak is not just about business – it is about protecting heritage, uplifting vulnerable groups, and aligning with sustainability goals under the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
– Rural artisans gain global visibility while keeping traditions alive.
– Youth and marginalized groups find pathways to independence and dignity.
– Women entrepreneurs gain access to funding and networks.
– Environmental sustainability is mainstreamed into business practices.
Together, they foster a competitive yet inclusive culture where communities thrive without losing their identity.
Scaling SE in Sarawak
The foundation has been laid, but challenges remain.
Social enterprises still require greater awareness, capacity-building, access to finance, and supportive policy frameworks.
To truly scale:
– Education institutions should integrate SE modules into entrepreneurship curricula.
– Corporate players can form more public-private partnerships to expand digital skills and logistics access.
– Government agencies must continue funding schemes that prioritize impact-driven businesses.
– Communities themselves need platforms to co-create solutions that reflect their cultural and local realities.
If Sarawak sustains this momentum, it will not only achieve the goals of PCDS 2030 but also become a regional hub for social innovation a place where doing business and doing good are inseparable.
Sarawak’s social entrepreneurship journey illustrates how solution-driven business models can transform challenges into opportunities.
With the SE*Hebat Blueprint, targeted funding, university engagement, and strong community partnerships, Sarawak is well on its way to building resilient, inclusive, and competitive communities.
In short, Sarawak is proving that the path to prosperity lies not just in economic growth, but in cultivating a culture of impact and shared progress.
Reference
7 Sarawak social enterprises selected for the first cohort of the SEHebat Catalyst programme – SDEC | Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation Berhad. (2025). Sdec.com.my. https://sdec.com.my/web/2025/02/26/7-sarawak-social-enterprises-selected-for-the-first-cohort-of-the-sehebat-catalyst-programme/?utm_
bernama. (2024, August 10). Sarawak allocates RM25 million for women entrepreneurs to expand business. Thesun.my; Sun Media Corporation Sdn. Bhd. https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/sarawak-allocates-rm25-million-for-women-entrepreneurs-to-expand-business-BP12842289?utm_
bernama. (2025, June). Sarawak Energy, DHL team up to uplift indigenous artisans. Thesun.my; Sun Media Corporation Sdn. Bhd. https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/sarawak-energy-dhl-team-up-to-uplift-indigenous-artisans-GD14172242?utm_
Blueprint Launched To Boost Social Enterprises | Sarawak Tribune. (2022, November 18). New Sarawak Tribune. https://www.sarawaktribune.com/blueprint-launched-to-boost-social-enterprises/?utm_
BP Editor 10. (2025, April 23). SEDCC reaffirms commitment to support Sarawak entrepreneurs. Borneo Post Online. https://www.theborneopost.com/2025/04/24/sedcc-reaffirms-commitment-to-support-sarawak-entrepreneurs/?utm_
UNIMAS Continues Support For Community Programmes | Sarawak Tribune. (2025, February 23). New Sarawak Tribune. https://www.sarawaktribune.com/unimas-continues-support-for-community-programmes/?utm_