PENAMPANG: Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said the Sabah First vision to develop more income-earning Sabahans can be realised through collective efforts by business owners and employees.
He said this when officiating the opening of Yi Jia Kopitiam, a café owned by local entrepreneur Esther Ho, at Uptown Nambazan.
Yi Jia has expanded to five outlets within just over two years, including locations at Lido Plaza, Wisma Merdeka, BSA Kolombong, Gaya Street, and its latest branch at Uptown Nambazan.
Ewon, who is also the Member of Parliament for Penampang, said the rapid expansion demonstrates the strong potential of local entrepreneurs to build competitive food and beverage brands.
He noted that the Uptown Nambazan outlet is the fourth branch since the business began over two years ago, while the fifth outlet was opened a week earlier at Gaya Street. There are also plans to develop a larger central kitchen.
He added that the success not only strengthens a local brand but also contributes to the development of the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Ewon expressed hope that the achievement would inspire more young entrepreneurs in Sabah to venture into business.
He said the brand also plays an important role in creating more job opportunities for youths while strengthening the local enterprise sector. – Wu Vuide
Ewon receiving a souvenir from Esther (left), during the launching yesterday.
