Sabah’s Growth and Future Initiatives highlighted at SME Expo International 2026 Launch

14 March 2026

KOTA KINABALU: The launch of SME EXPO International 2026 marks another significant milestone for Sabah, offering a valuable platform for local entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services, explore innovative technologies, and forge networks with partners from across Malaysia and around the globe.

The Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Transport (MINDET), Datuk Ewon Benedick, said this in his speech during the Chinese New Year Gala Dinner by Sabah Entrepreneurs Transformation (SET) 2026 that was read on his behalf by Invest Sabah Berhad Chairman Datuk Roger Chin. It was also the launch of SME Expo International 2026, yesterday.

He said through MINDET, the State Government remains committed to strengthening Sabah’s industrial and entrepreneurial ecosystem, with a focus on increasing SME participation in supply chains, enhancing competitiveness, and creating quality employment opportunities for Sabahans. Transportation and logistics continue to be key priorities, as efficient connectivity is vital to supporting business growth and improving market access across the region.

He congratulated Dato’ George Lim and the entire SET team, stating, “Over the years, SET has become an important platform for our entrepreneurs, especially our small and medium enterprises, to learn, connect and grow.” He praised SET for helping to nurture “a culture of innovation, collaboration and resilience within Sabah’s business community,” and expressed appreciation for their efforts.

Ewon noted that last year’s SME EXPO International 2025 was “not just an exhibition, it was a catalyst,” with many businesses securing new customers, collaborating with strategic partners, and strengthening their brands.

Building on that success, he announced that the launch of SME EXPO International 2026 marks another important milestone for Sabah, providing a valuable stage for our local entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services, explore new technologies, and build networks with partners from within Malaysia and around the world.

He added that “it reflects the dynamism and potential of Sabah’s SMEs,” and sends “a clear message that Sabah businesses are ready to compete and collaborate at the international level.”

He reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment through MINDET, focusing on “increasing SME participation in supply chains, enhancing competitiveness, and creating quality employment opportunities for Sabahans.” He highlighted transportation and logistics as “key priorities,” emphasising that “efficient connectivity is essential to support business growth and market access.”

Ewon also shared Sabah’s international trade achievements, stating that in 2025, Sabah’s SMEs participated in “18 international expos, involving more than 115 companies, and successfully generated a potential sales value of approximately RM95.9 million.”

He added that in 2026, the Ministry plans to participate in “13 international expos, with a targeted potential sales value of RM80 million,” including upcoming events such as FHA–Food & Beverage in Singapore, Thaifex Anuga Asia in Thailand, and Seoul Food & Hotel in South Korea. He urged Sabah SMEs to participate in these expos, describing them as “strategic platforms for market exposure, business matching, and the exploration of export opportunities.”

He also mentioned ongoing collaborations, such as with CAIQ Biosecurity, which will assist “20 Sabah entrepreneurs in meeting regulatory and biosecurity requirements to enable their products to enter the China market.” Additionally, a partnership with AEON Mall will see “products from 20 Sabah entrepreneurs promoted across AEON outlets,” providing “valuable retail exposure and strengthening brand visibility.”

Highlighting Sabah’s investment growth, he revealed that “in 2025, Sabah recorded RM7.6059 billion in manufacturing investments, positioning the state as the sixth highest recipient of manufacturing investments in Malaysia,” a significant increase from RM2.4696 billion in 2024. He attributed this to “growing confidence of investors in Sabah’s policy stability, governance, and investment ecosystem.”

He stressed the importance of recognising excellence through the upcoming “Anugerah Kecemerlangan Industri Sabah (AKIS),” which aims “to recognise and celebrate the achievements of industry players across all levels, including our SMEs.” He invited industry players, especially members of Sabah Entrepreneurship Transformation (SET), “to participate and showcase your success stories.”

Addressing logistical issues, Ewon announced an “Interim Action Plan” to address congestion at Sepanggar Bay Container Port, which was approved by the Sabah State Cabinet on 4 February 2026. Measures include establishing “additional temporary container yards,” implementing “revised deterrent charges,” enforcing “regulations on containers exceeding the allowed storage period,” and upgrading port equipment to “improve logistics efficiency.”

He expressed optimism, stating, “Let us continue working together, government, industry leaders and entrepreneurs, to build a vibrant economy that creates opportunities and prosperity for all Sabahans.”