Something is quietly taking shape in Sarawak’s startup ecosystem, and it is worth paying attention to.
Kuching’s first appearance in the StartupBlink 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Report (see the article I wrote) was what caught my attention. Ranked #1,198 globally, the number itself may seem modest. That said, being on the global startup map at all is meaningful. It signals that local startups are beginning to gain recognition beyond Borneo, and that the foundations of an ecosystem are gradually taking shape.
This momentum is not happening in isolation. According to data published on MYStartup’s website, there are currently 1291 registered startups (Industries: Advanced Technologies, Retail & Marketplace, Logistics & Infrastructure) in Sarawak, a state fondly known as the Land of the Hornbills. For context, this is a notable foundation for an ecosystem still in its early stages, particularly for a state with a population of approximately 2.5 million2. Numbers alone do not tell the full story, but they reflect a growing community of founders willing to take risks and build something new.
Startup ecosystems do not grow overnight. Progress is built step by step, through founders who take risks, communities that back local ideas, programs that develop talent, and the slow but steady accumulation of networks and resources. Kuching is now on the radar. That alone feels like a beginning worth celebrating.
Visibility Is Just the Start. Positioning Is What Follows
Looking ahead, one factor will be especially important in shaping the trajectory of Sarawak’s startup ecosystem: Positioning.
Visibility on its own is not enough. What matters is what Sarawak chooses to be visible for. The most successful startup hubs in the world are known for something specific. Medellín, once defined by its troubled past, deliberately repositioned itself around urban innovation and technology, and is today recognized as one of Latin America’s most dynamic startup cities. We also have an example from our own backyard, Penang, which built its identity around semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, turning decades of industrial heritage into a magnet for deep tech investment. Sarawak has every reason to think just as boldly.
Sarawak has the raw material to do something similar. Its strengths in renewable energy, biodiversity, applied research, and its position as a gateway between Malaysia and the wider Asia-Pacific region are not small advantages. The question is whether these strengths will be translated into a clear, consistent, and compelling narrative.
As I have always emphasized in my work in communications, effective communication is not a supporting act; it is part of the strategy itself. Strong ecosystems are built not only through infrastructure and funding, but through credible storytelling. Clear positioning helps founders see opportunity, talent see a future, and investors see potential. When done well, positioning turns momentum into magnetism.
A Personal Note: Kuching and Miri
I spent a few months in Miri in the early 1990s as an intern at Sarawak Shell, and the city has held a special place in my heart ever since. Most of the startup headlines today center on Kuching, but Miri deserves a mention too. Its deep roots in the oil and gas industry give it a natural foundation for energy technology and industrial innovation, precisely the kind of domain-specific identity that emerging ecosystems need to cultivate.
Both cities, in their own ways, reflect the broader story of a state finding its footing.
Sarawak deserves to be part of the wider startup conversation in Malaysia and beyond. With continued investment, visibility, and a clearly articulated identity, the stories of innovation and growth emerging from this part of Malaysia will only multiply.
Every ecosystem starts somewhere. Seeing Kuching’s name on the global startup map is a hopeful reminder that even small steps can signal the beginning of something much bigger.
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Disclaimer: This article reflects the professional perspective of Hashim Communications and is published in the context of its work in communications and public relations. It is intended for general informational purposes and does not constitute endorsement or investment advice.
References
1. MYStartup. Malaysia’s Startup Ecosystem.
https://www.mystartup.gov.my/about-us
2. Department of Statistics Malaysia. Population of Sarawak.
https://open.dosm.gov.my/dashboard/population/swk
