MINDET to launch AI Programme for MSME entrepreneurs: Ewon

31 December 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Ministry of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport (MINDET) will launch a specialised Artificial Intelligence (AI) Training Programme for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) entrepreneurs in Sabah in early 2026.

Its Minister, who is also Deputy Chief Minister III, Datuk Ewon Benedick, said the programme forms part of the government’s efforts to strengthen digital capabilities and enhance the competitiveness of MSME entrepreneurs in the state.

He said the programme will be implemented through a strategic collaboration between MINDET and Pepper Labs, following his meeting with a delegation from the company led by its Managing Director, Thanaselan Rajendran.

“I welcome the proposal for a strategic collaboration between Pepper Labs and MINDET Sabah to realise the AI Programme for Sabah MSME entrepreneurs.

“This initiative will be launched early next year so that our entrepreneurs can cultivate the use of AI in their business operations,” he said.

He made these remarks after receiving a courtesy call from Pepper Labs at his office at Wisma Kewangan here today.

Ewon also expressed his appreciation to Pepper Labs for choosing the Penampang parliamentary constituency as the location for the implementation of a social enterprise initiative funded by the Federal Government.

“I will continue to place strong emphasis on the development of MSME entrepreneurs, including social enterprise (SE) entrepreneurs and inclusive business (IB) operators in Sabah,” he said.