MINDET continues to support Sabah companies in expanding into global markets

10 June 2026

SEOUL, South Korea: The Sabah Ministry of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport (MINDET) will continue supporting the growth of local companies through existing programmes and new initiatives aimed at enhancing the global competitiveness of Sabah enterprises.

Its Minister and Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III, Datuk Ewon Benedick, said the effort is crucial in enabling more Sabah-based businesses to penetrate international markets and expand their operations globally.

“I am proud that an increasing number of Sabah companies are successfully entering global markets, generating annual revenues ranging from millions to tens of millions of ringgit.

“Their success not only creates more employment opportunities for local communities but also strengthens supply chains and supporting industries within Sabah’s business ecosystem,” he said.

He said this after officiating the opening of the Sabah Pavilion at the Seoul Food & Hotel Expo 2026 held at the Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX) here yesterday.

Eight Sabah companies are participating in the expo, namely Kerupuk Lelek Enterprise Sdn Bhd, Yuly Global International Sdn Bhd, Aryana Food Sdn Bhd, Hong Xin Food Sdn Bhd, RDS Juta Food Industries Sdn Bhd, Norcy Beautylab Sdn Bhd, BTC Corporation Sdn Bhd and Takahari Marketing Sdn Bhd.

Ewon also expressed his appreciation to all parties involved in promoting Sabah’s products and services in international markets.

He noted that the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) continues to play a vital role in facilitating the participation of local companies in global markets through various trade promotion and export development programmes.

According to him, Sabah companies’ participation in the Seoul Food & Hotel Expo 2026 is expected to generate new opportunities in trade, investment and international business networking, while further strengthening the presence of Sabah products and brands in global markets.

Earlier, Ewon attended the official opening ceremony of the Seoul Food & Hotel Expo 2026 together with members of the Sabah delegation.

The expo features more than 3,400 booths and 1,800 companies from 49 countries, including Malaysia, which is represented by a dedicated Sabah Pavilion. This year marks the 44th edition of the event.

Ewon also joined invited dignitaries representing various countries and foreign embassies in officiating the opening of the expo.

Also accompanying the working visit were MINDET Permanent Secretary Datuk Thomas Logijin, Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP) Chief Executive Officer Cecilia Amid, Sabah Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO) Group General Manager Datuk Ar. James Wong Kein Peng, Invest Sabah Berhad Chief Executive Officer Kevin Ukang, as well as MINDET officers and representatives from its agencies.