MOU to build Borneo744 township in Kuching inked

PUTRAJAYA (June 17): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today witnessed the inking of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish the first Blue Ocean Entrepreneurs Township (BOET) in Bintawa, Kuching, also known as the Borneo744 project, Bernama reported.

Borneo744 will serve as a creativity and innovation hub to attract industry players under one roof to generate a greater creative relationship. 

The MOU  was signed by the Finance Ministry's National Strategy unit director, Dr Aminuddin Hassim, and Sarawak Economic Development Corp managing director, Soedirman Aini, signed the.

Treasury Secretary-General, Tan Sri Dr Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah (pictured), said the Borneo744 project would be ready by year-end.

"The government would inject RM20 million to refurbish a 10ha old Public Works Department warehouse into a vibrant and attractive township dedicated for the young and youth entrepreneurs," he said.

Mohd Irwan explained that the MOU was made up of three components: for young entrepreneurs, eateries and sports.

"We are using an existing building to refurbish and renovate with a minimal cost, but with great impact and speed.

"In the agreement, it states that Borneo744 will be up and running within six months, but we want to do it fast, if possible within four months. That is better and we will push the contractors," he said.

The first component would comprise an entrepreneurship training facility, a Malaysian Global Innovation & Creativity Centre (MaGIC) Sarawak branch office, and a creative content development centre, Mohd Irwan explained.

"We want Borneo744 to be catchy and attractive to the youngsters, and we have decided to establish several centres, among others, technology-related fields in order to develop and create more aspiring entrepreneurs," he said.

As for the eateries component, Sarawak local delicacies and famous coffee joints such as Starbucks will provide opportunities for young entrepreneurs to advance, Mohd Irwan added.

The sports component will have extreme sports activities and all three components will also cater to community activities.

"Once completed, Borneo744 will be a modern, colourful and collaborative town for youths to work, play and eat with their families," he said.

Mohd Irwan said the government was reaching out to interested stake holders in different parts of the country to participate in the success of the Borneo744 project.

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