Sabah’s Smart City Drive Anchored on SMJ Vision: Dr Joachim

10 October 2025

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s transformation into a world-class economic hub and smart city state is firmly anchored on the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) vision, which seeks to achieve balanced development through digital innovation, sustainability, and human capital growth, said Minister of Local Government and Housing, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam.

He said the SMJ vision reflects the State Government’s long-term commitment to building a united, peaceful, prosperous, and progressive Sabah, in line with the national agenda under the Malaysia Madani framework and the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030.

“The Government has long envisioned transforming Sabah into a world-class economic and smart city hub. This aligns with the SMJ Vision, to achieve a state and society that is united, peaceful, prosperous, and well-developed,” he said in his keynote address at the Borneo Architecture Festival (BAF) 2025, held at The Magellan Sutera Resort today.

Dr Joachim said the Government’s push for smart city development in several strategic locations across Sabah is being implemented under the Digital Government Strategic Plan, which aims to build a digital economy ecosystem that delivers direct benefits to the people.

He explained that the initiative supports the third thrust of the SMJ Development Blueprint, the development of infrastructure networks and green sustainability, focusing on improving connectivity across land, sea, air, and digital infrastructure.

“The Smart City initiative also seeks to digitalise government services, enhance accessibility and equality, and ensure that every community enjoys the benefits of modern infrastructure,” he added.

Dr Joachim emphasised that Sabah’s smart urban development strategy is not solely about adopting advanced technology but about integrating sustainability and inclusivity into planning and governance — ensuring that no one is left behind in the state’s digital transformation.

This year’s Borneo Architecture Festival, themed “Rewire // Rewild: Transforming Cities // Back to Nature,” highlights the dual challenges of modernisation and environmental preservation.

He explained that “Rewire” reflects the shift towards smart, connected cities, while “Rewild” symbolises efforts to restore balance between architecture and nature through biophilic design and biomimicry.

Acknowledging Sabah’s rapid pace of urbanisation, Dr Joachim cautioned that unrestrained development could endanger the state’s rich cultural identity and natural heritage.

“While pursuing innovation and modernisation, it is equally important to preserve our cultural heritage and foster a sense of belonging to our beautiful Borneo,” he said, urging policymakers and civil servants to be mindful of the long-term social and environmental impacts of development decisions.

Dr Joachim commended the Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) Sabah Chapter for its ongoing collaboration with his ministry in policy development, construction delivery improvements, and the promotion of sustainable design practices.

He expressed confidence that platforms such as BAF 2025 will continue to strengthen partnerships between the government, professionals, developers, and the public, driving the state towards a smarter, greener, and more inclusive future.

“I hope this festival continues to encourage the exchange of ideas and experiences, fostering innovation and regional economic growth,” he said.

Also present were Deputy Permanent Secretary (Ministry of Local Government and Housing) TPr Stanley Chong, Director-General of DBKK Datuk Sr Lifred Wong, PAM Vice President Ar. Norzaini Mufti, BAF 2025 Organising Chairperson Ar. Sharon M. Amin, and PAM Sarawak Chapter Chairman Ar. Noraini Noradden.