The recent opening of an Internet Access Center in Betong was indeed a noteworthy occasion for the organizers of the Rural ICT Guided Home-based Technopreneur Programme, otherwise popularly known as the RIGHT Programme.

The Internet Access Center, owned and operated by a recent graduate of RIGHT programme, Encik Shukor Bin Mahmud, aged 28, from Kampung Baru Hulu, Betong, started its business operation in October this year.

Mr. Teo Tien Hiong, CEO of Sarawak Information System Sdn Bhd (SAINS) together with Encik Hamsein Atar, Assistant Principal Secretary for Ministry of Rural Development was in Betong today to officiate and congratulate Encik Shukor for his endeavour and to offer him support for his commitment to succeed.

RIGHT programme, an initiative of SAINS in concert with Ministry of Rural Development, which started field-testing 3 years ago, is in support of the intention of the Sarawak State Government to bridge the rural urban digital divide on a sustainable basis.

The programme trains rural youths to provide ICT services as an income generation opportunity and in support of ICT adoption in rural communities. Other than Betong, the programme has so far produced budding technopreneurs from other rural districts of Lawas, Limbang, Sibu, Asajaya, Serian, Samarahan, Padawan, Simunjan, Merapok, Matu and Saratok.

The candidates that had completed their 6 months training are also exposed to various aspects of SAINS operations, first hand.

“I really thank SAINS for motivating and supporting me to set up this business. It is always my dream to open this business for the people in Betong to provide them with Internet and computer services and giving the students here hands-on computer skills”, said Shukor.

SAINS had earlier contributed 5 re-conditioned personal computers and a printer to assist Shukor at his center. The center also provides computer repairs services, scanning and printing services, sells computer accessories, besides assisting users with Internet skills.

According to Shukor, he is able to start his business at little cost and expects his monthly income to grow over the current earning of about RM2,000.00 a month.

Mr. Teo was especially happy and excited to see first-hand, Shukor’s thriving business and the centre being well utilised. “This gives substance and meaning to the RIGHT programme, that we are able to transform rural youth like Shukor into enterprising and self-sustaining role model for narrowing digital divide in rural communities through the RIGHT programme”, he added.

For more information on RIGHT Programme, visit www.right.sarawak.gov.my