Mayor Hails BigSabah Sale 2025 as a Catalyst for Kota Kinabalu’s Economic Growth

The Mayor (fifth left) presenting certificates of participation to participants from Korea watched by Datuk Rosmawati Lasuki (fourth right)

2 November 2025

KOTA KINABALU: Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah has lauded the success of the BigSabah Sale 2025, describing the three-day event as a powerful showcase of Kota Kinabalu’s growing economic dynamism and community spirit.

Speaking at the closing ceremony on Sunday, Sabin said the event had once again demonstrated the strength of Sabah’s people their innovation, enterprise, and determination to “dream big.”

“A city’s true strength lies not only in its infrastructure or skyline, but in its people, their enterprise, their innovation, and their courage to dream big. BigSabah Sale embodies exactly that spirit,” he said.

Held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), the 2025 edition of BigSabah Sale featured more than 600 booths, 300 exhibitors, and representatives from 13 countries, transforming Kota Kinabalu into a “vibrant marketplace of ideas and opportunities.”

Sabin commended Datuk Dr. Hajah Rosmawati Haji Lasuki, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SICC, and her team for their leadership in growing the event into a recognised regional platform in just three editions.

“This remarkable growth reflects not only their vision and hard work but also the resilience and ambition of Sabah’s business community,” he added.

The Mayor noted that BigSabah Sale had become more than just a trade fair, saying it had helped redefine Kota Kinabalu’s economic landscape, from a picturesque coastal city to an emerging hub for business, trade, and regional collaboration.

He also highlighted the event’s role in promoting inclusive and sustainable growth by providing a platform for entrepreneurs of all scales, from small local startups to international brands, to connect and collaborate.

“When participation is broad, prosperity is shared. That is the kind of progress we want for Kota Kinabalu: growth that uplifts livelihoods, empowers local talent, and strengthens our community fabric,”he said.

Sabin further emphasised that events like BigSabah Sale have a ripple effect across various sectors including hospitality, tourism, logistics, and creative industries.

“They position Kota Kinabalu as a gateway to the region, linking us to Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Taiwan. These connections are bridges of commerce, culture, and friendship,” he noted.

Before concluding his speech, the Mayor expressed his appreciation to corporate sponsors, government agencies, media partners, and all participants for their contributions to the event’s success.

“Your continued support helps nurture the business ecosystem that drives our city’s growth and builds confidence in Kota Kinabalu as a centre for trade, tourism, and talent,” he said.

Sabin ended his remarks by assuring exhibitors and visitors that the city looks forward to hosting an even bigger and better BigSabah Sale next year.

“On behalf of City Hall and the people of Kota Kinabalu, we look forward to welcoming you again next year, with even greater anticipation and ambition,” he stated.