By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the State Government will continue to support business events (BEs) aligned with Sabah’s economic priorities, to enhance regional engagement and investment dialogue.
“We will leverage these platforms to expand cross-border collaboration and connect regional capabilities to global networks. As global expectations evolve, Sabah’s direction remains clear and focused.
“We will continue to enhance our standards and structure our partnerships with priority on implementation and delivery,” he said at the Third International Business Events Forum (BE in Sabah) 2026 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC).
Hajiji’s speech was delivered by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
He said the State Government recognises BEs as a crucial driver of Sabah’s economic and development agenda, serving as purposeful platforms that foster industry growth, facilitate investment discussions, and promote local participation, particularly among small and medium enterprises, professionals and young talent.
“Such outcomes are vital as we pursue inclusive, balanced, realistic and sustainable growth,” he said, adding that Sabah’s development strategy is grounded in stability, good governance and long-term value creation.
“We understand that investor confidence and international trust stem not just from announcements, but from consistent policies, clarity of direction and reliable execution.
“In this context, BEs act as a strategic bridge between policy and implementation, global expertise and local capability, and delivery,” he said.
To this end, he said platforms such as BE in Sabah provide essential opportunities for direct engagement with international industry leaders, while enhancing the capacity and sophistication of the state’s local ecosystem.
Hajiji said Sabah is strategically positioned within East ASEAN, a subregion characterised by shared economic interests, complementary strengths and significant potential for cooperation.
“We are committed to constructive engagement in this regional landscape, enhancing connectivity, fostering partnerships and supporting impactful platforms that deliver practical outcomes,” he said.
He said the event is being held at SICC, a purpose-built facility capable of hosting complex, large-scale gatherings, reflecting the state’s commitment to improving service readiness, strengthening institutional coordination and enhancing industry capabilities to ensure every event reflects excellence and professionalism.
The Sabah Convention Bureau (SCB), operating under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment, further strengthens this enabling environment by working closely with industry players to provide a reliable interface for international events, he said.
“To our international delegates, Sabah is prepared, coordinated and ready for engagement. To our local and regional partners, this forum reflects the State Government’s standards-driven approach and our unwavering commitment to delivery,” he said.
Also present was organising chairperson Datuk Dr Hajah Rosmawati Lasuki.
Joniston (centre), receives an activation card from a robot (right), to launch the event as guests look on.
