Young Agropreneur Wilson Gan’s Holistic Vision for Keningau Youths and Economic Development

21 November 2025

KENINGAU: Situated in the interior heartland of Sabah, Keningau possesses vast potential to grow into a major economic and urban centre. Blessed with abundant natural resources, fertile agricultural land and a steadily rising population, the district is well-positioned for long-term development.

Yet, in recent years, progress has been slow, hampered by deteriorating infrastructure and the continuous outflow of young talent seeking better education and economic opportunities elsewhere.

Successive governments have struggled to effectively address these issues.

Among the few young leaders who have chosen to remain and contribute to Keningau’s progress is agropreneur and community advocate Wilson Gan.

Armed with undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications from overseas, he could easily have pursued a career in larger cities. Instead, guided by deep personal commitment, passion, and ancestral ties, he opted to return home and invest his efforts in developing Keningau and its surrounding interior region.

Since joining United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) in 2020, Gan has been active in both Liawan and Keningau, engaging in initiatives spanning agriculture, F&B entrepreneurship, education access, health, youth empowerment and public administration.

Although he has yet to be elected as a state assemblyman, his reputation among local communities and professional peers stands firm.

Gan’s most notable contributions have been in the realm of leadership and community service. He has held roles in several organisations, including the Majlis Belia Sabah, St John Ambulance Malaysia (Sabah), Lions Clubs International, Junior Chamber International (JCI) and the Sabah Durian and Tropical Fruit Planters Association.

Through these platforms, he has been associated with a wide range of economic, educational, entrepreneurial and environmental programmes that benefit not only Keningau, but also communities across Sabah and Malaysia.

One of his key youth-focused achievements has been securing over RM4.26 million in scholarships for 337 students, alongside establishing a youth leadership organisation aimed at developing future leaders.

In 2025, he spearheaded a state-level youth convention held in Keningau—an event that brought significant attention to local youth development. Gan is also remembered for introducing the town’s first espresso-based café, marking an early milestone in Keningau’s emerging café and entrepreneurship culture.

His sustained efforts over the past decade earned him an appointment as Keningau District Councillor in 2020, followed by reappointment in 2022.

At 37, Wilson Gan is now setting his sights on contesting the upcoming state election for DUN N41 Liawan. His development framework for Keningau is centred on the “6K” concept, which outlines a comprehensive blueprint across multiple sectors:

Keusahawanan (Entrepreneurship): cultivating new entrepreneurs and strengthening local business ecosystems.

Kerjaya (Job Opportunities): expanding access to education, skills training and career pathways.

Kemajuan Industri (Industry Development): advancing the agricultural and tourism industries through innovation and support.

Kesihatan (Health): enhancing public health via screening initiatives and sports development.

Keselamatan (Safety): improving safety measures, particularly in frequently flooded areas.

Kesejahteraan (Wellbeing): promoting harmonious relations among different races and religions while improving overall community welfare.

Compared to other candidates, Gan’s manifesto is notable for its breadth, depth, and long-term vision.

It reflects not only his understanding of local needs, but also his track record of practical involvement and the broad support he has garnered from various sectors.

As Keningau looks to chart its future, Wilson Gan stands out as one of the young leaders offering a holistic, Community-centred , roadmap one that aims to uplift its people while unlocking the region’s full economic potential.