Lee (fourth right) joins the event’s cake cutting ceremony. On his left is Miri Mayor Adam Yii.
MIRI (July 27): The start of crude oil production for Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros) will ensure more value is generated from the state’s natural resources, said Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.
The Minister of Transport pointed out that the recent announcement that Petros has begun producing approximately 800 barrels of oil per day from the Adong Kechil West field near Marudi is another positive development for Sarawak.
He said the state government’s approach through Petros and greater local participation aims to ensure natural resources remain within the state to create opportunities for engineering companies, ICT firms, environmental specialists, manufacturers, and training institutions.
“For our entrepreneurs, this is not simply good news. This is your opportunity. The next generation of successful Sarawakian companies will not only sell products, they will provide services, technology, innovation, professional expertise, and become regional champions,” he said at the Sarawak Bumiputra Entrepreneurs Chamber (DUBS) 40th anniversary celebration in Permyjaya here on Sunday.
The event also marked the 63rd Sarawak Day and Gawai Appreciation Night 2026.
Lee pointed out that as Sarawak moves towards becoming a developed economy by 2030, it needs more entrepreneurs who are prepared to embrace digitalisation, artificial intelligence, automation, green technology, and international markets, as the future economy will belong to those who innovate, collaborate, and continuously improve themselves.
Highlighting Sarawak’s ongoing economic transformation under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, Lee said the state is witnessing rapid progress in infrastructure development, digital transformation, renewable energy, hydrogen economy, food security initiatives, education reforms, and strategic investments.
These developments, he said, have strengthened investor confidence and created new business opportunities across various sectors.
He said DUBS has played a crucial role in empowering Bumiputera entrepreneurs and driving Sarawak’s economic growth over the past four decades.
“For 40 years, DUBS played an important role in empowering Bumiputera entrepreneurs, creating opportunities, supporting small and medium enterprises, while becoming the bridge between the government and the locals in developing Sarawak’s economy,” he said.
He noted that government policies alone are insufficient without entrepreneurs who are willing to seize opportunities and create economic value, hence organisations such as DUBS cannot be left out of the equation.
“Government policies create opportunities, but entrepreneurs create economic value. Entrepreneurs create employment, innovation, and strengthen communities,” he said.
Moving forward, he urged DUBS to continue nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs by mentoring young business owners, strengthening SMEs, and fostering closer collaboration with government agencies, financial institutions, and industry players.
To achieve all the above, Lee stressed that continued political stability and long-term policy direction are of utmost importance.
He called on all Sarawakians to continue preserving unity and harmony, as these are the state’s greatest strengths to build a stronger and more prosperous future.
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