SANDAKAN: Tanjong Papat Assemblyman Alex Thien Ching Qiang on Aug 8 welcomed Canadian High Commission Political and Economic Counselor Leigh McCumber and Advocacy Officer Dayalan S. Rajoo for a meeting to discuss Sandakan and Sabah’s development potential, economic prospects, and investment opportunities.
McCumber, who recently completed her posting in Vietnam, is now beginning her new assignment in Malaysia. With this being only her third day in the country, her visit to Sandakan marks her first official trip in Malaysia, an honour Thien warmly acknowledged.
Thien, who previously worked with a Canadian company for four years, found the reconnection particularly meaningful. The discussion brought together prominent entrepreneurs and representatives from Sandakan’s business and tourism sectors.
Key areas covered included downstream industries, infrastructure, energy, human capital, and tourism, alongside strategies to strengthen Sandakan’s competitiveness and attract greater investment.
Thien emphasised Sandakan’s significant potential and the need to strengthen international engagement by showcasing its strengths and resources. He noted that stronger global ties could unlock new opportunities for investment, collaboration, knowledge exchange, and economic growth.
He expressed appreciation to the business and tourism representatives for their insights and thanked McCumber and Dayalan for the productive exchange, expressing hope that the engagement would lead to stronger connections and further cooperation between Sabah and Canada. – James Leong
Alex Thien (5th right), with McCumber and other officials during their meeting on Aug 8.
