Kota Kinabalu: The inaugural Borneo International Conference on Business, Education, Economics and Management (Bicbeem) 2026 is highly relevant to Sabah’s development agenda, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun delivered his speech at the conference's opening ceremony here on Wednesday.
Hajiji said research must be closely aligned with the actual needs of society, industry, and state development, urging researchers to treat Sabah and Borneo as a living laboratory for practical, high-impact studies.
He noted that collaborative research should explore key areas including rural economic development, digital transformation, youth entrepreneurship, smart agriculture, community-based tourism, and environmental sustainability.
While pointing out Sabah’s immense natural resources, strategic location, and talent pool, Hajiji stressed that such strengths must be actively translated into economic opportunities, improved public well-being, and sustainable development.
