LAHAD DATU: POIC Sabah Sdn Bhd held strategic discussions with a delegation from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) on Friday to explore cooperation opportunities spanning industrial development, technology and innovation at the POIC Lahad Datu industrial park and port.
POIC Sabah chairman Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau said, the meeting centred on strengthening the investment ecosystem and developing high-value industries along Sabah’s east coast.
“The proposed partnership covers a broad range of areas including research, technology development, bioeconomy, green energy, industrial innovation and human capital development.
“Among the cooperation proposals discussed was the involvement of MOSTI agencies including NanoMalaysia Berhad, Bioeconomy Corporation, BioNexus and several related bodies in advancing industrial development at POIC Lahad Datu.
“This cooperation has the potential to unlock more high-technology investment opportunities, strengthen downstream industrial development and position Lahad Datu as a key industrial and innovation hub in Sabah,” he said.
Madius added that the partnership could help attract more domestic and international investors to POIC, while creating employment opportunities and driving economic development for local communities.
“The collaboration reflects POIC’s broader aspiration to transform Lahad Datu into a high-value industrial ecosystem supporting Sabah’s long-term manufacturing and technology ambitions,” he said.
The MOSTI delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal, who is also the Member of Parliament for Lahad Datu and state assemblyman for Silam.
Yusof welcomed the proposed cooperation and reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to supporting POIC in areas of strategic partnership that could benefit Sabah’s economic development.
“MOSTI remains open to strengthening collaborative networks with industry players and development agencies to ensure the national innovation and technology agenda is effectively implemented at the state level,” he said.
Yusof also noted that Lahad Datu holds strong potential to grow into a modern and competitive industrial centre, particularly given POIC’s strategic port and industrial infrastructure.
Also present at the meeting were Segama Assemblyman Muhammad Abdul Karim, POIC Sabah Group chief executive officer, Datuk Fredian Gan and POIC Sabah Group deputy chief executive officer Lynette J Hoo.
During the session, NanoMalaysia Berhad delivered a special briefing on the potential of nanotechnology and industrial innovation in advancing Sabah’s industrial and green economy sectors. The presentation was made by the agency’s acting vice-president, Ahmad Mulia Hafizayatullah Amiruddin.
Management officers of POIC Sabah and the MOSTI delegation pose for a commemorative photograph. Also seen in the photo are Yusof and Madius.
