From left: Nor Azmie, Hanifah Hajar, Teo and Hoo.
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s natural resources and established infrastructure along the east coast are strategic assets that can accelerate the development of the Blue Economy.
POIC Sabah Sdn Bhd shared this view on the sidelines of the two-day ASEAN Blue Economy Forum held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on Sept 29–30.
“The Blue Economy, to us at POIC Sabah, is an extension and continuation of industrial development in the state, with a specific focus on marine and coastal resources,” said POIC Sabah Group Deputy Chief Executive Officer Lynette Hoo.
She noted that the east coast of Sabah is centrally located and well-placed to serve as a logistics hub for East ASEAN territories with strong growth potential.
“With mature ports and industrial infrastructure already in place at our POIC Lahad Datu Industrial Park, we are ready to host numerous projects envisaged under the Blue Economy,” she said.
Earlier, Hoo briefed Deputy Economy Minister Dato’ Hajjah Hanifah Hajar Taib, who officiated the opening of the forum on Monday.
Hanifah, accompanied by Economy Ministry Secretary-General Dato’ Nor Azmie Diron, visited the POIC Sabah exhibition booth where they were welcomed by Hoo and POIC Sabah board member and Sabah Economic Planning Unit Director Datuk Jasmine Teo.
Hoo said POIC Sabah’s optimism is anchored on national and state priorities, particularly the 13th Malaysia Plan, which outlines a comprehensive list of Blue Economy focus areas identified for Sabah.
“The 13th Malaysia Plan highlights priorities in fisheries and aquaculture, coastal and maritime tourism, shipbuilding and repair, renewable energy, marine biotechnology, marine transport, and ecosystem-based sectors,” she said.
She added that initiatives such as the BIMP-EAGA Maritime Academy (BEMA) and the maritime transportation hub, both spearheaded by POIC Sabah, align well with federal and state planning for the sector.
“POIC Sabah has always believed that BIMP-EAGA, like its parent ASEAN, is best promoted as a single entity. Our inter-connectedness, proximity, and shared maritime boundaries give us stronger leverage when presented together,” Hoo stressed.
“As we open up the Blue Economy, I believe bringing EAGA partners closer will generate greater momentum.”
She further welcomed strategic participation and investments in sectors supporting the Blue Economy.
