Kota Kinabalu: The inaugural Sabah SME Fest 2026 was launched on Friday, bringing together more than 60 exhibitors and an expected 5,000 visitors in conjunction with MSME Week.
Deputy Chief Minister III cum Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said the three-day event serves as a platform for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to showcase products, build networks and explore new business opportunities.
He said the State Government remains committed to strengthening the MSME sector through entrepreneurship training, digitalisation programmes and the SME-UP assistance scheme, which benefited 5,879 entrepreneurs last year.
Ewon said a RM1 million Special Entrepreneurship Development Fund has been introduced, while the Sabah DigitalUp Launchpad 2026 initiative aims to involve 1,000 MSMEs and generate RM10 million in digital sales.
The event also saw the presentation of SME grants for packaging, labelling, machinery and equipment, as well as the appointment of Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2026 Gelvia Vanessa Jenny as Sabah SME products ambassador.
