Sabah Targets Global Investment in Key Sectors for 2026 Growth

17 December 2025

KOTA KINABALU:  Datuk Ewon Benedick, the deputy Chief minister III and Minister of Industry, Entrepreneur, and Transport, articulated Sabah’s strategic plans to promote key sectors in 2026 during his address at the opening of the First Meeting of the First Session of the Seventeenth State Legislative Assembly.

The Minister stated that Sabah intends to focus on promoting sectors such as renewable energy, the blue economy, biomass, and food processing in international markets, including China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Europe, and the United States. These initiatives are aligned with proposals from the Malaysia Investment Development Authority (MIDA), aiming to position Sabah as a competitive player in these burgeoning industries.

Ewon emphasised that the primary aim of this international promotion is to attract high-impact investments that will catalyse economic growth, generate employment opportunities for Sabahans, and support the development of local enterprises. He highlighted that these sectors possess significant potential to drive sustainable development and elevate Sabah’s profile on the global economic stage.

The deputy Chief minister also said that the development of the industrial sector remains a key driver of Sabah’s economic progress. He noted that the state had already recorded RM7.54 billion in manufacturing sector investments as of the third quarter of 2025, positioning Sabah as the sixth highest recipient of investments in Malaysia during that period.

Looking forward, he reaffirmed his Ministry’s dedication to attracting high-impact investments and facilitating their growth, with a clear focus on the strategic sectors identified for 2026. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen local industries, which form the backbone of Sabah’s manufacturing landscape. The Ministry plans to implement proactive measures to enhance the capacity and competitiveness of local companies, both within the country and abroad.

Ewon shared that his Ministry will collaborate closely with MIDA, participating in international investment missions to promote Sabah’s opportunities globally through an integrated branding strategy. This approach aims to ensure that the investment prospects are conveyed more clearly, consistently, and with greater impact across various markets.

The deputy Chief minister expressed optimism that these initiatives will attract substantial investments, stimulate economic growth, and create meaningful employment opportunities for Sabahans, ultimately supporting the continuous development of the state’s economy and local industries.