KUCHING: Six Sarawakian entrepreneurs have completed the six-month SCALE Sarawak Cohort 3 programme, with their businesses recording expansion, gaining new opportunities and making plans to enter regional markets.
It was jointly organised by Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (TEGAS) and Endeavor Malaysia to help local businesses grow through mentorship, practical workshops and industry networking.
Throughout the six-month programme, the entrepreneurs worked with 17 mentors through six group mentoring sessions, seven workshops and 20 one-on-one virtual mentoring sessions to address business challenges, refine strategies and identify growth opportunities.
Among the businesses reporting progress was Let’z Play Therapy, which opened its third branch to bring early intervention services closer to more families.
Founder Erdy Izwan said programmes such as SCALE Sarawak, along with guidance and support from Endeavour and TEGAS, have played an important role in shaping his growth as an entrepreneur and leader.
“They have challenged me to communicate with greater confidence, approach negotiations more strategically, strengthen my decision-making and develop a clearer direction for the business.
“At Let’z Play Therapy, we believe that access to quality early intervention should not be a privilege reserved for those who can afford it. As we continue to grow, our commitment remains to make quality services more accessible, create meaningful opportunities and extend our reach to underserved communities,” he added.
He said the centre remained committed to making quality early intervention services accessible to families across different income levels, particularly underserved communities.
Meanwhile, Satok Bridge Digital, which develops artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT)-powered technology for wildlife conflict mitigation and tracking, is advancing its regional expansion plans.
The company has launched proof-of-concept projects with international conservation partners across Southeast Asia and beyond, with wider implementation dependent on successful validation.
Its co-founder and chief executive officer, Tham Tat Wei, said the mentorship sessions provided valuable perspectives on strengthening and sustaining the business for long-term growth.
“Our experience with Endeavor was truly impactful. The opportunity to learn from exceptional mentors, ranging from entrepreneurs navigating business growth to leaders of established corporations, offered invaluable perspectives that challenged us to rethink how we build, strengthen and sustain our business for the long term.
“I would strongly encourage startups and fellow entrepreneurs to be part of this programme and experience its value first-hand,” said Tham.
The programme concluded with a final Business Panel Review, where participants presented their achievements against six-month milestones and outlined priorities for their next stage of development.
The panel included Media Prima Group managing director Datuk Rafiq Razali, Tanah Makmur Bhd group chief executive officer Datuk Shahrul Nizam, Artem Ventures partner Tunku Omar, Borong founder emeritus and adviser Lennise Ng, and CloudJoi co-founder and chief operating officer Kevin Teh.
Rafiq, who also served as an Endeavor mentor, said the entrepreneurs had demonstrated openness to feedback and eagerness to learn throughout the programme.
He said their next challenge was to move beyond founder-led operations and build resilient, scalable businesses capable of expanding across Malaysia and beyond.
Meanwhile, TEGAS chairman Datuk Len Talif Salleh said the collaboration reflected a continued commitment to strengthening Sarawak’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and supporting the state’s economic transformation.
Endeavor Malaysia managing director Shan Li Tay said the partnership aimed to help local entrepreneurs build stronger businesses through connections with experienced industry leaders and mentors.