KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will continue supporting business events (BE) that are aligned with its economic intent, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said business events are crucial drivers of Sabah’s economic and development agenda, serving as purposeful platforms that foster industry growth, facilitate investment discussions, and promote local participation, especially among small and medium enterprises, professionals and young talents.
“Such outcomes are vital as we pursue inclusive, balanced, realistic, and sustainable growth,” he said, adding that Sabah's development strategy is grounded in stability, good governance, and long-term value creation.
Hajiji said Sabah understood that investor confidence and international trust stem not just from announcements, but from consistent policies, clarity of direction, and reliable execution.
“Business events act as a strategic bridge between policy and implementation, global expertise and local capability and delivery,” he said at the Third International Business Events Forum (BE in Sabah) 2026 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Wednesday (Feb 4).
His speech was delivered by his Assistant Minister, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
With that, Hajiji said the state government will leverage these platforms to expand cross-border collaboration and connect regional capabilities to global networks.
Hajiji said Sabah is strategically positioned within East Asean, a subregion characterised by shared economic interests, complementary strengths, and significant potential for cooperation.
He said the event is held at the SICC, a purpose-built facility that can host complex, large-scale gatherings, reflecting the state’s dedication to enhancing service readiness, improving institutional coordination, and boosting industry capabilities to ensure every event exemplifies excellence and professionalism.
