Kota Kinabalu: Participants of the CEO Masterclass 2026 have been urged to turn the knowledge, ideas and connections gained from the programme into concrete decisions, collaborations and business initiatives.
Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick said the true value of the CEO Masterclass should not be measured merely by the quality of discussions and presentations, but by what participants were prepared to do after the programme.
He said the theme of this year’s programme, “Beyond Certainty – Leadership in Action”, was particularly relevant as businesses faced an increasingly complex and rapidly changing environment.
“Leadership is not about waiting until everything becomes certain before making a decision. It is about having the courage, judgement and confidence to move forward, adapt to changing circumstances and make the best possible decisions based on the information and opportunities available to us,” he said.
Ewon, who is also Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister, said technology continued to transform industries while markets and consumer behaviour were constantly evolving.
He said leaders were therefore increasingly required to make important decisions even when they did not have all the answers or certainty about what lay ahead.
Speaking at the CEO Masterclass 2026 at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here Tuesday, Ewon encouraged participants to make full use of the platform to learn from distinguished speakers and “Human Books”, exchange experiences, build relationships across industries and explore new opportunities for collaboration.
“I encourage each of you to identify at least one important decision that you are prepared to make, one meaningful action that you are prepared to undertake, or one new collaboration that you are prepared to initiate as a result of what you have learned and the people you have met here today,” he said.
Ewon said the programme brought together distinguished speakers and moderators from Singapore and across Malaysia, including a speaker from Nihon M&A Center, Japan, who is based in Kuala Lumpur.
He also expressed appreciation to the Human Books, comprising some of Sabah’s leading CEOs and business leaders, for sharing their experiences, insights and real leadership journeys.
Ewon said platforms such as the CEO Masterclass could become valuable catalysts for new ideas, business partnerships, investments and initiatives when the knowledge shared was translated into action.
He urged business leaders to reflect on their role in shaping Sabah’s next economic opportunities.
“As Sabah grows, what role will you play in creating its next opportunity?” he asked, stressing that the future of Sabah’s economy would depend not only on Government efforts but also on the willingness of the business community to invest, innovate, collaborate and create new opportunities.
Ewon said leadership was ultimately measured not simply by how well leaders understood uncertainty, but by the decisions they made and actions they were prepared to take despite it.
He congratulated Sabah Young Business and Industry Leaders (Sybil), Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Micci) Sabah, the organising committee, Human Books, speakers, moderators, industry partners and everyone involved in making the CEO Masterclass 2026 possible.
He expressed hope that the discussions and engagements would lead to new knowledge, partnerships, investments and opportunities contributing to Sabah’s continued economic growth and development.
