By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah International Expo 2026 (SIE2026) has attracted exhibitors from 15 countries, strengthening Sabah’s position as a gateway to regional and global markets.
Deputy Chief Minister III and Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said the participation reflected growing international interest in Sabah as a destination for trade, investment and business cooperation.
The 15 countries are Australia, Brunei, China, Denmark, Finland, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Poland, Singapore, Thailand and Zambia.
“This international participation is a strong indication of growing interest in Sabah as a destination for trade, investment and business cooperation.
“SIE2026 is not merely an exhibition, but a platform to connect markets, build partnerships, create opportunities and enhance value,” he said after opening SIE2026 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC).
Ewon, who is also SIE2026 main organising chairman, said the expo has 300 booths, with about 35 per cent involving international exhibitors, including those from BIMP-EAGA.
About 10,000 trade visitors, delegates, participants and members of the public are expected at the three-day expo, which ends on Sunday.
The expo is also targeting up to RM10 million in potential sales and business transactions.
Ewon said SIE2026 would give Sabah entrepreneurs opportunities to market their products and services and develop trade links with overseas delegates.
“Sabah welcomes international exhibitors, particularly those from the BIMP-EAGA region involving Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia and the Philippines,” he said.
He said the success of SIE2026 should be measured by the business generated rather than the number of booths or visitors.
“The success of an exhibition should not be measured only by the number of booths or visitors, but by the business transactions concluded, partnerships established, investments generated and opportunities created for the people,” he said.
Ewon said Sabah aimed to position itself as the gateway to Borneo, a bridge to BIMP-EAGA and a platform for businesses to reach regional and international markets.
The 3rd BIMP-EAGA Trade, Investment and Halal Industry Conference is among the main programmes at SIE2026, bringing together about 300 delegates to discuss trade, investment and halal industry opportunities.
The expo also features the Sabah International Business Luncheon Talk, where Sunway Group founder and chairman Tan Sri Sir Dr Jeffrey Cheah will share his leadership experience and business journey with about 700 participants.
A State welcoming dinner held on Thursday brought together about 900 guests, including international delegates, ambassadors, consul generals, heads of delegations, exhibitors, business leaders and government and industry representatives.
Ewon (second, right), presenting a certificate to one of the participants.
