From RM200 to Global Success: Norcy BeautyLab Inspires Sabah Entrepreneurs

6 April 2026

KUDAT: The success of local woman entrepreneur Norsiah Ahiddin in developing Norcy BeautyLab Sdn. Bhd. from a small business into an enterprise that has expanded into international markets has become an inspiration to other entrepreneurs in Sabah.

Deputy Chief Minister III and Sabah Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, Datuk Ewon Benedick, said Norsiah’s achievement proves that rural entrepreneurs are also capable of attaining success through hard work and consistency.

“Although she (Norsiah) started with a small amount of capital, through determination and perseverance, she has now successfully opened her third factory in her own district.

“I have followed the progress of Norsiah’s success since I led the Sabah Ministry of Rural Development (KPLB) and officiated the opening of her first factory here at the time.

“Today, I am officiating the opening of Norcy BeautyLab’s third factory. I hope Norcy’s success can serve as an example and inspiration to other entrepreneurs, as she has not only established factories in her own district but has also expanded beyond Sabah, including to Nilai in Negeri Sembilan,” he said.

He said this when met by reporters after officiating the Norcy BeautyLab factory in Matunggong here today.

Ewon added that Norcy BeautyLab products have now penetrated international markets, including Brunei, demonstrating the strong potential of local entrepreneurs to compete at the global level.

He said the state government, through the Ministry of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport (MINDET), remains committed to providing various forms of support, including SME-UP grants and financing assistance, to help entrepreneurs participate in international expos.

“We welcome Norcy’s participation in international expos alongside other entrepreneurs in the future,” he said.

He also stressed that government assistance to entrepreneurs not only enhances business capacity but also contributes to the local economy through job creation.

Meanwhile, Norsiah said the success she enjoys today began with a small dream realised through continuous effort, team support, and assistance from various government agencies.

She also shared the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, when her business was affected, but she took the initiative to pivot to the production of hand sanitiser to meet demand at the time.

“Although sales of beauty products declined then, we did not give up. We produced sanitiser for supply to hospitals and ministries, which helped my company remain afloat,” she said.

Reflecting on the early days of her venture into business, Norsiah said it began with just RM200 from home before she opened her first factory in 2019.

“Do not be afraid to start small, because something great always begins with the first step,” she said.