Kota Kinabalu: Sabah has marked a significant milestone with several of its business leaders appointed to top national-level positions in the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC).
The latest reshuffle at national level sees MCCC Sabah President Datuk Dexter Lau elected as Chairman of the MCCC National Business Sectors Committee, the first Sabahan to hold the influential post.
Dexter, who also helms the Sabah China Chamber of Commerce, is now tasked with leading policy direction across sectors and building high-impact collaborations between Malaysian businesses and Chinese counterparts.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});“This role is a responsibility, not just a recognition. It gives Sabah a wider voice nationally and allows us to bring more attention, resources, and investment to the East Malaysian region,” he said.
He said the Sabah team’s elevation reflects a growing appreciation of the state’s strategic potential and its readiness to contribute to national economic direction.
Alongside Dexter, business leader Coral Chia was appointed Vice Chairperson of the Business Sectors Committee. A long-time MCCC national council member, she is expected to work closely with Dexter in strengthening the committee’s output.
Her appointment also continues the legacy of her mother, Datuk See Meng Geok, who currently serves as MCCC Vice President and has long played an advisory role in national matters.
Meanwhile, MCCC Sabah Founding President and Honorary Life Adviser Datuk Lau Kok Sing retains his position as National Affairs Advisor, continuing to offer strategic counsel on policy and institutional development.
Also appointed to the national council is Datuk Michael Chin, another former MCCC Sabah President, who now serves as a National Vice President. His years of experience in bilateral business engagement are seen as key to further deepening enterprise-level links.
Adding legal strength to the national team is Josephine Wan Wen Hadikusumo, appointed as National Internal Auditor. A senior Sabah-based legal practitioner, her role will focus on governance and compliance within the organisation.
Dexter said the appointments mark a turning point for Sabah in terms of visibility and contribution on the national stage.
“We will continue to speak up for East Malaysia and ensure we are fully part of Malaysia’s economic conversations,” he said.
The MCCC is a key platform facilitating Malaysia-China trade, with branches across the country and deep linkages to industries, entrepreneurs, and policymakers in both nations.