Kota Kinabalu: Sabah’s transformation into a world-class economic hub and smart city state is guided by the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) vision, said Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam.
He said the vision aims to achieve balanced development through digital innovation, sustainability and human capital growth.
This, he added, also reflects the State Government’s long-term ambition to ensure that Sabah becomes a united, peaceful, prosperous and progressive society.
Dr Joachim said the SMJ vision aligns with Malaysia’s national agenda under the Malaysia Madani framework and the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030, focusing on optimising state resources, economic revitalisation and human development.
“The SMJ vision aims to achieve a state and society that is united, peaceful, prosperous and well-developed,” he said when delivering his keynote address at the Borneo Architecture Festival (BAF) 2025 at a resort here.
He said the government’s push for smart cities across several strategic locations in Sabah is being spearheaded under the Digital Government Strategic Plan, which seeks to create a digital economy ecosystem that directly benefits the community.
The initiative, he said, supports the third thrust of the SMJ development blueprint of developing infrastructure networks and green sustainability with a focus on improving connectivity across land, sea, air and communication infrastructure.
“The smart city initiative also aims to digitalise government services, improve accessibility and equality, and ensure that all communities can enjoy the benefits of modern infrastructure,” he said.
Dr Joachim added that Sabah’s approach towards smart urban development is not merely about adopting modern technology.
“It is about integrating sustainability and inclusivity into planning and governance, ensuring that no segment of society is left behind in the digital transformation,” he said.
This year’s festival, themed ‘Rewire // Rewild: Transforming Cities // Back to Nature’, highlights the dual challenges of modernisation and ecological preservation.
He said the concept of “rewire” reflects the paradigm shift towards smart, connected cities, while “rewild” represents efforts to restore harmony between architecture and nature through biophilic design and biomimicry.
Dr Joachim acknowledged that Sabah’s rapid modernisation and urbanisation pose risks to its rich cultural identity and natural heritage.
He warned that development without understanding the local environment and culture could compromise both ecological health and social well-being.
“While pursuing innovation and modernisation, it is equally important to preserve our cultural heritage and foster a sense of belonging to our beautiful Borneo,” he said.
He urged policymakers and civil servants to understand the long-term social impacts of development decisions.
Dr Joachim said Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) Sabah Chapter is collaborating with the ministry in policy development, improving construction delivery and facilitating sustainable design practices.
He was confident that platforms such as BAF 2025 would continue to inspire collaboration between the government, professionals, developers and the public towards realising a smarter, greener and more inclusive Sabah.
“I hope that through this festival, the exchange of ideas and experiences will continue to spur innovation and strengthen regional economic development,” he said.
Also present were Deputy Permanent Secretary (Local Government and Housing Ministry) Stanley Chong; Kota Kinabalu City Hall Director-General Datuk Lifred Wong;Vice President of Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia Norzaini Mufti; Organising Chairperson Sharon M. Amin; and PAM Sarawak Chapter Chairperson Noraini Noradden.
