Sabah welcomed delegates from more than 15 countries to the SIE 2026 Welcoming Dinner, with Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Finance of Sabah, describing the strong international turnout as a reflection of growing confidence in the state as a destination for business, investment and regional partnerships.
Speaking on behalf of Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji bin Haji Noor, Chief Minister of Sabah, Masidi said the evening was more than a formal welcome. It marked the beginning of conversations that could bring together Sabah businesses, international investors and regional partners.
From Local Strengths to Regional Growth
Guests from Australia, Brunei Darussalam, China, Denmark, Finland, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Poland, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States, Senegal and Zambia joined the gathering, bringing together businesses, investors, traders and industry leaders from across the region and beyond.
Creating Greater Value from Sabah’s Strengths
Masidi said Sabah’s economic ambition is to create greater value from its natural strengths rather than simply exporting raw resources.
While oil and gas remains an important pillar of the state’s economy, he said the state is accelerating downstream industries, renewable energy and value added activities across agriculture, fisheries, forestry and tourism.
He highlighted opportunities in solar, biomass and hydro energy, alongside Sabah’s extensive oil palm industry, where downstream processing, biomass utilisation and bio based products can create new industries and employment opportunities.
Unlocking the Blue Economy
The Minister also pointed to Sabah’s blue economy as one of the state’s greatest opportunities for sustainable growth.
With the country’s largest marine parks and around 60 percent of Malaysia’s remaining mangrove reserves, he said Sabah is committed to developing its ocean resources responsibly while protecting the ecosystems that make the state unique.
From sustainable fisheries and aquaculture to marine biotechnology, maritime services, coastal tourism, marine renewable energy, logistics and shipbuilding, he said the sector presents significant opportunities for regional and international collaboration.
Strengthening Sabah’s Regional Role
Masidi said Sabah’s strategic location near Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia and the Philippines, together with its connections to ASEAN and the wider Asia Pacific region, places the state in a strong position to strengthen regional trade and investment.
He noted that Sabah is within five hours’ flight of major cities in China, creating opportunities to expand trade, strengthen logistics, develop regional supply chains and deepen cooperation through the BIMP-EAGA framework.
A Warm Welcome to New Partnerships
Closing the evening, Masidi reaffirmed the Sabah Government’s commitment to creating a more competitive and business friendly investment environment under the Sabah Maju Jaya Development Agenda, while encouraging delegates to look beyond the exhibition halls and experience Sabah firsthand.
He expressed hope that the welcoming dinner would be the beginning of productive discussions, meaningful connections and lasting partnerships that would contribute to stronger trade, greater investment and shared prosperity for Sabah and its regional and international partners.
