KCCI’s two-day activities set to bring together industry leaders, investors and entrepreneurs
- nabalunews
- Jun 11
- 3 min read
11 June 2025
PENAMPANG: The Kadazandusun Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) is organising a two-day event that is set to attract significant interest from industry leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs.
The two major business-oriented events scheduled for this month are aimed at strengthening the region’s economic development and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
These are the Borneo Country Music Festival & Food Fest 2025 and Kaamatan Gawai 2025, both expected to generate considerable engagement within the business community.
KCCI President Datuk Ladislaus Maluda announced that the Borneo Country Music Festival & Food Fest will be the first of its kind in Sabah, offering a strategic platform that combines cultural engagement with business opportunities. Scheduled for June 27 at Buhavan Square, the event will feature performances by school bands, local talents, and headline musical acts, creating a vibrant environment for networking and community engagement.
A special preview evening on June 26 will allow industry stakeholders and media to observe sound checks and get an exclusive glimpse of the festival’s scope.
"Country music has a profound resonance across generations in Borneo. It’s not simply about entertainment; it’s about storytelling that fosters community and cultural cohesion," said Ladislaus during a press conference at the KCCI Office.
He emphasised that the festival's real strength lies in its capacity to stimulate local business, promote tourism, and showcase Sabah’s unique cultural assets to broader audiences.
The accompanying food festival presents an excellent opportunity for young local entrepreneurs to promote their culinary innovations. Stalls will feature a diverse array of street foods, from gourmet burgers to modern Sabahan fusion cuisine, designed to attract visitors and create new markets for local food producers.
Ladislaus expressed his enthusiasm for encouraging entrepreneurs to push creative boundaries, transforming traditional ingredients into contemporary culinary offerings that can appeal to both domestic and international visitors.
In addition, the KCCI-DCCI Golf Challenge at Sutera Harbour offers a platform for business networking within a relaxed, competitive setting. With 134 golfers participating, the event provides an excellent opportunity for local and regional businesses to establish connections, foster partnerships, and enhance their visibility.
The winner will move closer to securing the prestigious inter-chamber trophy, an accolade that symbolises excellence and collaboration within the regional business community.
On June 28, the focus shifts towards regional development and innovation with a specialised forum centred on the oil and gas industry. This high-level gathering will bring together regional leaders and experts to discuss key topics including environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria, artificial intelligence (AI), and regulatory compliance.
The forum aims to facilitate meaningful dialogue on sustainable practices and technological advancement, positioning Sabah as a competitive player in the evolving regional marketplace.
Visitors at that time will have access over 30 exhibitors, including representatives from KKIP and Asia Euro that will showcase a broad spectrum of local processed goods, handicrafts, and innovative products. These displays serve to highlight the region’s entrepreneurial ingenuity and its potential for economic expansion through innovation and strategic partnerships.
The events will culminate with the Kaamatan Gawai Gala Dinner at the ICC Grand Ballroom, an important occasion for cultural exchange and business networking. Featuring performances and dignitaries from Sabah and Sarawak, the dinner underscores the unity of Borneo’s diverse peoples while also serving as a platform to promote local business achievements.
"This event is more than a celebration of the harvest; it’s a reflection of our economic resilience and entrepreneurial vitality," Ladislaus noted.
"From live cooking stations to local wines and traditional crafts, we aim to demonstrate the capabilities of Sabahan and Sarawakian entrepreneurs. It’s an essential barometer of our regional success and an opportunity to showcase our distinct identity to the world."
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