By Ashley Sim KUCHING, April 21: The Premier of Sarawak Industry Excellence Awards (PSIEA) has become a major driver in boosting the global competitiveness of local industries, with 94 organisations having contributed an estimated RM188 million to the regional and national economy through the programme as of 2025. Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said PSIEA continues to play a pivotal role in raising the standard of Sarawak’s industrial sector in line with both national and international benchmarks, especially through recognition platforms such as the national-level Industry Excellence Award (AKI). “Since its inception, PSIEA has had a significant impact on the development of Sarawak’s industrial sector,” he said in a speech delivered by Deputy Minister for International Trade, Industry, and Investment Sarawak, Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, during the launch of PSIEA held at TEGAS Digital Village here today. Awang Tengah, who also serves as the Minister for International Trade, Industry, and Investment Sarawak, praised the Sarawak Business Federation (SBF) for its dedication in fostering a culture of excellence within the business and industrial community. He stressed that such efforts are in line with the Sarawak government’s aspiration to strengthen small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and elevate them to greater heights. “SMEs remain the backbone of Sarawak’s economy. With the support of strategic policies, incentives, and capacity-building programmes, the government will continue to help them thrive in an ever-evolving global economy,” he said. Awang Tengah also highlighted the importance of enhancing business resilience and accelerating digital transformation to meet current challenges. He said the PSIEA is not only a platform for recognition but also a catalyst for comprehensive business excellence practices — covering leadership, infrastructure, empowerment, and digital integration. As Sarawak works toward achieving developed and high-income status by 2030, Awang Tengah called on more local companies to step forward and lead the charge in realising this vision. “Together, we can build a robust, future-ready business ecosystem that is connected to the global economy for the benefit of all Sarawakians,” he added. Meanwhile, SBF president Dato Sri Abang Abdul Karim Tun Datuk Abang Openg described the fifth edition of the PSIEA as the most prestigious business recognition platform at the state level. “This award honours businesses driven by noble values and clear objectives. By recognising their achievements, we hope to nurture a new generation of business champions who will elevate Sarawak’s standing regionally and globally,” he said. According to a press handout, PSIEA 2025 carries the theme ‘Environment, Sustainability, Economic Prosperity, and Inclusive Society’. The award is organised by SBF in collaboration with the Sarawak government and the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC). The award ceremony, held biennially since 2017, provides organisations participating in PSIEA the opportunity to represent Sarawak at the national level in AKI, administered by the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (Miti). Also in attendance were MPC board member Dato Jefri Ahmad Tambi, MPC Sarawak Regional director Dr Mazlina Shafii, TEGAS Digital Village chief executive officer (CEO) Udin Bujang, and Sarawak SME Association president Jordan Ong. — DayakDaily