By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said Sabah welcomes investors who can combine expertise, experience and funding to drive inclusive, social and ecological development with tangible results.
“We welcome serious investors to establish win-win partnerships as Sabah has transformed its economy into a multifaceted powerhouse aligned with Malaysia’s broader economic objectives,” he said.
His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister II and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun at the launch of the Sabah Asia-Pacific Impact Investing for Sustainable Development Summit at a hotel here yesterday.
The summit provides a platform for thought for leaders to discuss impact investing as a key pillar of sustainable development.
Hajiji said impact investing could generate measurable social and environmental benefits while delivering financial returns.
He said the summit marked an important step towards positioning Sabah as one of the Asia-Pacific’s leading hubs for sustainable development and impact investing.
He said that at a sustainability summit two months ago, he had highlighted Sabah’s long-standing commitment to protecting its forests, oceans, wildlife and some of the region’s richest ecosystems.
“Sabah has contributed not only through words but through policies, responsible land stewardship and real sacrifice.
“Today, we are proud that almost 30 per cent of Sabah’s landmass is under Totally Protected Areas.
“We also maintain our status as a net carbon sink, or carbon-negative state, based on greenhouse gas inventory data, supported by our extensive forests that strengthen the nation’s carbon absorption capacity.
“Our inclusive forest management approach, built with local communities, enables us to balance environmental conservation with the socio-economic wellbeing of our people.
“Step outside and you will feel it. Sabah’s heart and soul are rooted in our natural heritage. It is who we are,” he said.
Hajiji said Sabah urgently needed better roads, more reliable electricity, cleaner water and greater economic opportunities.
“Our people need tangible improvements in their livelihoods. We are equally clear that we cannot pursue growth at the expense of the environment on which our long-term future depends,” he said.
He said the Asia-Pacific region was poised for strong growth, driven by dynamic economies, rapid urbanisation and expanding markets, making it an attractive destination for investment.
“The world is looking to the Asia-Pacific not only for economic potential but also for thought leadership in technology, green energy and sustainable development.
“This summit provides the ideal platform for industry leaders to forge global collaborations and introduce transformative solutions,” he said.
Hajiji also thanked George Town Institute of Open and Advanced Studies (GIOAS) at Wawasan Open University, Penang, chairman Tan Sri Andrew Sheng, and his team for jointly organising the summit with the Sabah Government.
Hajiji said impact investing could generate measurable social and environmental benefits while delivering financial returns.
