PENAMPANG: The Sabah Government welcomes strategic partners who share its vision of building a productive, inclusive, innovative, and sustainable economy, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.
Officiating at the 10th Malaysia Digital Economy Forum (MDEF) 2026 at ITCC Penampang on Tuesday, Masidi urged investors to actively contribute to local talent development through professional training, internships, and SME supply-chain integration.
Masidi, who is also State Finance Minister, stressed that building a sustainable digital economy requires cultivating local capabilities rather than relying indefinitely on imported expertise.
Highlighting the state's potential to become a digital hub in East Malaysia, he noted that natural advantages must be combined with technology, human capital, and good governance to deliver meaningful economic outcomes.
Masidi said the Blue Economy is a core strategic driver under the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 framework, encompassing smart fisheries, marine biotechnology, maritime logistics, and sustainable tourism.
He disclosed that the 2026 State Budget has allocated funds to initiate the Kudat Blue Economy Industrial Park Master Plan alongside the Fisheries Blue Economy Initiative.
Emphasising that technology serves as a tool rather than an end in itself, he pointed out that digital transformation must address actual problems, enhance productivity, and broaden opportunities for Sabahans.
He called for actionable outcomes from the forum, advocating stronger linkages between technology firms, educational institutions, local entrepreneurs, and private-sector innovators.
