MTDC’s R2G Sarawak 2025 Boosts Tech Adoption, Innovation Funding For SMEs
KUCHING, Oct 23 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) has strengthened efforts to accelerate technology (tech) adoption and innovation funding for Sarawak-based small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups through its Road2Growth (R2G) Sarawak 2025 programme.
MTDC said in a statement today that the R2G initiative aims to connect Sarawak companies with national innovation enablers and industry partners, while providing access to developmental and commercial funding, advisory services, talent development and Industry 4.0 enablement via its Centre of 9 Pillars (Co9P).
Held in conjunction with the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2025, themed “AI and Green Evolution: Growth, Challenges, and Community Resilience,” the Sarawak edition of R2G focused on practical technology adoption and collaboration opportunities for SMEs.
MTDC said the R2G series was designed to simplify access to technology and financing by translating national innovation policies into practical playbooks that outline what to adopt, when, with whom, and how to fund it.
“This regionalised approach aligns with MTDC’s mandate to expand Malaysia’s innovation footprint beyond the Klang Valley, including Sabah and Sarawak, while supporting the state’s effort to enhance capacity and competitiveness through technology and industrial innovation,” it said.
The programme also featured an expert dialogue with ecosystem partners on partnerships, capital access and targeted programme support to accelerate Sarawak’s innovation-led development.
A practitioner session by an MTDC ecosystem company showcased how automation and data-driven technologies improve operational efficiency and sustainability when paired with the right financing and advisory framework.
MTDC group chief executive officer Mohammad Hazani Hassan said R2G Sarawak was designed to shorten the distance from interest to implementation by providing funding clarity, credible solution providers, and advisory support to SMEs.
“We bring funding clarity, real solution providers, and the advisory backbone that SMEs need to deploy technology credibly so they can scale with confidence and competitiveness,” he said.
Mohammad Hazani said the R2G delivery model complements Sarawak’s economic diversification strategy and institutional platforms such as IDECS, while advancing the federal innovation agenda to commercialise local technologies and broaden regional impact.
“Sarawak’s innovation agenda requires repeatable adoption playbooks and credible financing.
“R2G’s modular tracks, MySTI-linked funds and Co9P ecosystem offer exactly that -- the scaffolding for SMEs to automate, comply and compete,” he added.
According to MTDC, the programme connects Malaysian firms to national innovation platforms through problem-centred tracks, real-world demonstrations, and targeted business matchmaking, enabling them to adopt technology faster and scale sustainably.
Established in 1992, MTDC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Khazanah Nasional Bhd, focuses on technology investments, capacity development, and advisory services for SMEs through a range of initiatives, including the Business Start-up Fund, Business Growth Fund and Halal Technology Development Fund.
-- BERNAMA