RM130 Million ‘Ship Hotel’ Deal Anchors BigSabah Sale 2025

1 November 2025

KOTA KINABALU: A landmark RM130 million waterfront development agreement took centre stage at the opening of BigSabah Sale 2025 on Saturday, signalling growing investor confidence in Sabah’s tourism and convention sectors.

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed between D’Heritage Sdn Bhd and Nomad Hospitality Group Sdn Bhd for the construction of the region’s first-ever “Ship Hotel” project, to be located on the Kota Kinabalu waterfront adjacent to the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC).

SICC Chief Executive Officer Datuk Seri Rosmawati Lasuki said the ambitious project represents a bold step towards positioning the state capital as a world-class marina and lifestyle destination.

“This project will transform the SICC waterfront into a world-class marina destination,” she said.

“With 216 rooms and international-standard facilities, it will become a new symbol of Sabah’s tourism excellence.”

Rosmawati added that the RM130 million development, the first of its kind in East Asia, reflects strong private-sector confidence in Sabah’s tourism and meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industries.

The signing took place during the official opening of BigSabah Sale 2025, which was launched by Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun, representing Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.

Now in its third year, the event recorded its largest-ever participation, with 652 exhibition booths and exhibitors from 13 countries including Indonesia, China, South Korea, Brunei, India, Thailand and Egypt.

Five Malaysian states, Penang, Kedah, Selangor, Sarawak and Kuala Lumpur, are also represented.

Organisers expect more than 50,000 visitors over the weekend, with more than 15,000 recorded on the first day alone.

“What began as a local initiative has now become a celebration of enterprise, creativity and collaboration,” said Rosmawati.

“BigSabah Sale reflects Sabah’s growing role as East ASEAN’s gateway to the world.”

The two-day event spans two floors at SICC, featuring themed halls for gourmet, décor, fashion, lifestyle and local produce showcases.

A key new feature this year is BigSabah Trade Connect, a B2B platform supported by MATRADE Sabah, Sabah Halal Hub, and Jetsin Sdn Bhd, aimed at helping small and medium enterprises expand their export reach.

The Sabah Agro-Fisheries Forum also made its debut, bringing together regional experts to discuss opportunities in agriculture, aquaculture and sustainable food systems.

Rosmawati said the event’s success underscores Sabah’s potential as a regional business hub,

“BigSabah Sale has become a bridge that connects local producers with international buyers. It shows that Sabah can host events that not only attract visitors but also open markets and build lasting partnerships.”

International Collaboration and Cultural Showcase

Strong regional participation was seen from KADIN Indonesia, led by Bapak Soeryo Poetranto, and delegates from Thailand’s Department of International Trade and Promotion (DITP). Exhibitors from China, India, Brunei and the Philippines also joined the event.

The exhibition is supported by several corporate and government partners, including Sabah Credit Corporation, Sawit Kinabalu, Yayasan Sabah Group, and Lembaga Koko Malaysia.

Complementing the trade events are community programmes such as Women in Business & Style and the BigSabah Culinary Studio, which mentors young culinary talents.

“BigSabah Sale is a Sabah story, created by Sabahans, supported by partnerships, and shared with the region,” Rosmawati said.

BigSabah Sale 2025 continues until 2 November at the Sabah International Convention Centre, featuring exhibitions, business networking sessions and cultural performances open to the public.