Kota Kinabalu: Sabah entrepreneurs must strengthen their business partnerships and improve product quality, branding and packaging to tap markets beyond the State, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) were vital to Sabah’s economy as they created jobs and supported livelihoods in towns, districts and rural communities, but many continued to face challenges in accessing finance, technology and wider markets, alongside rising operating costs.
His speech was delivered by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Caesar Mandela Malakun at the opening of Big Sabah Sale 2026 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on Saturday.
Hajiji said addressing the challenges faced by SMEs required cooperation among government agencies, financial institutions, industry groups and the private sector.
Digital tools such as e-commerce, social media and digital payment platforms could help businesses overcome geographical barriers, allowing even entrepreneurs in rural Sabah to reach customers beyond their immediate communities.
He also stressed the importance of ensuring women, young people and community-based enterprises received the necessary support and opportunities to grow.
Hajiji said Sabah’s strategic position within the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) offered opportunities for businesses to expand trade with Brunei, Indonesia and the Philippines, particularly in tourism, agriculture, food production, logistics and services.
“To make the most of these opportunities, our businesses must continue improving product quality, branding and packaging. Our local foods, handicrafts, agricultural products and services have potential well beyond Sabah,” he said.
He noted that Big Sabah Sale 2026 brought together exhibitors from 12 countries and nine states in Malaysia, providing opportunities for local entrepreneurs to establish lasting trade relationships, distribution networks and investment partnerships.
“We want to see stronger business-to-business engagement and help our young entrepreneurs move beyond showcasing products to securing partnerships that support long-term growth.” Hajiji also encouraged exhibitors to use the event to meet potential buyers, exchange ideas and build business connections, saying its success should be measured not only through attendance and sales but also the opportunities created for local businesses.
