KOTA KINABALU: There needs to be a shift in mindset among Bumiputera entrepreneurs to move beyond dependency on government-linked projects and embrace a more resilient business culture, according to Kadazandusun Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Sabah President Datuk Ladislaus Maluda.
He said while the Chinese community had built strong business traditions over many generations, many local entrepreneurs were still focused on construction work, government projects and steady jobs in the public or private sectors.
This, he said, had limited opportunities for them to explore wider business ventures.
He spoke after leading the Sabah delegation to the recent 17th Joint DCCI-KCCI Gawai-Kaamatan celebration in Kuching, where leaders from Sabah and Sarawak came together to discuss ways of strengthening indigenous entrepreneurship.
Maluda said Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, or Abang Jo, had set an inspiring example by showing that people must take charge of their own destiny.
“Whether you want to progress in business or other areas, it is in our hands. To me, his words were truly motivating.
“But first, you need to have that tahan lasak (resilient) mentality and the spirit to teruskan perjuangan (continue the struggle), no matter what happens,” he said.
He described the Premier as a source of inspiration, particularly in the way he manages Sarawak’s economy and handles the responsibilities of leading a large State.
He said the Premier had also emphasised that the celebration was not merely a festive gathering, but also a platform for business networking.
Building on this, Maluda said there were three key lessons he had gathered – first, to be confident; second, to be in control of what one was doing; and third, to know one’s strengths and weaknesses.
“Through your strengths, you can push harder to achieve results. Through your weaknesses, you learn how to manage better,” he added.
Maluda acknowledged that cultural upbringing also played a role in discouraging natives from venturing into business.
“Parents often advised their children to seek stable jobs in government or private sectors rather than risk entrepreneurship.
“I am a classic example; it took me years to put my right foot forward into business because my parents’ advice kept ringing in my ears,” he said.
He said KCCI had been working to change this mindset by promoting business networking, free training and collaboration with agencies such as SME Corp, Mara and Bank Rakyat.
The chamber has introduced six-month training programmes focusing on financial management, workforce skills and networking to help micro-entrepreneurs transition into small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
“Our goal is to upgrade micro businesses into SMEs, where income can reach RM1 million or more,” Maluda said.
He added that failure was part of the entrepreneurial journey, advising young entrepreneurs to build resilience.
“The first bite is always painful, but once you get used to the bites, you become immune to business difficulties,” he said.
Maluda also stressed the importance of instilling entrepreneurial values from a young age, similar to how the Chinese community nurtures business skills across generations.
“We want to inculcate business culture among our children early, so they grow up with the mindset of entrepreneurship,” he said.
Despite the challenges, KCCI had seen progress, with some members already benefiting from its training programmes and successfully starting businesses.
Maluda remained optimistic that with persistence, local entrepreneurs could break free from dependency and build a sustainable business culture.
“There has been a lot of focus on the Bumiputera community in terms of business. So, that is our role in KCCI, to encourage young people to capitalise on this, or else we will fall behind,” he said.
He highlighted two successful entrepreneurs in Sabah, Anne Antah and Mary Jim, who had risen in business and were now sought after for their expertise and experience.
Maluda also said succession planning was already in place, with the supreme council comprising both young and senior leaders.
“We need balance. The board cannot be filled only with young members; we also need the seniors for their experience,” he said.
Reflecting on his own journey, Maluda said he was one of the founders of KCCI in 1996, starting as a member and gradually holding different posts before becoming president.
“I have helped build this chamber into what it is today. But we are still learning, and our senior members are valuable because of their broad experience and business skills,” he said.
He explained that senior members contributed not only on government matters but also by guiding micro-businesses, which formed the foundation of growth for the community.
Meanwhile, Maluda said Sarawak’s approach to promoting traditional products such as tuak also offered lessons for Sabah.
He said tuak was sold in Sarawak as a traditional beverage, with emphasis placed on its cultural value rather than its alcohol content.
Maluda said Sarawakians were generally more open-minded and farsighted, adding that their pride in promoting tuak at cultural events and ceremonies reflected their confidence in showcasing their own products.
He said the Bumiputera community there was united and strong, especially during cultural events.
“In Sarawak, even though people may belong to different political parties, they come together in unity during cultural celebrations.
“That is the beauty of the Sarawak people,” he said.
