Mandela looking at products on display at BIGSABAH Sale 2026 at SICC today.
KOTA KINABALU: Government agencies must work together with financial institutions, industry groups and the private sector to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) overcome business challenges.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said SMEs were vital to Sabah as they create jobs and support livelihoods in towns, districts and rural communities.
“Yet many face difficulties accessing finance, technology and wider markets, while rising costs put further pressure on their operations,” he said, adding that digital tools could help businesses overcome geographical barriers.
“Through e-commerce, social media and digital payments, even entrepreneurs in rural Sabah can reach customers beyond their communities.
“We must also ensure that women, young people and community-based enterprises have the support and opportunities to grow,” he said at the opening ceremony of the BIGSABAH Sale 2026 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here today. His speech was read by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun.
Hajiji said events such as BIGSABAH Sale 2026, which brings together exhibitors from 12 countries and nine states in Malaysia, would help SMEs expand their businesses.
He said Sabah’s position within the BIMP-EAGA region offered opportunities for trade with Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia and the Philippines, particularly in tourism, agriculture, food production, logistics and services.
“To make the most of these opportunities, our businesses must continue improving product quality, branding and packaging. Our local foods, handicrafts, agricultural products and services have potential well beyond Sabah,” he said.
He also expressed hope that exhibitors from abroad and Peninsular Malaysia would help establish lasting trade relationships, distribution opportunities and investments.
“We want to see that stronger business-to-business engagement can help our entrepreneurs move beyond showcasing products to securing partnerships that support long-term growth,” he said.
Hajiji said that as the State Government worked towards achieving four million visitor arrivals in 2026 and prepared for Visit Sabah 2027, priority must be given to ensuring that the benefits of growth reached local communities.
“More visitors should mean more opportunities for Sabah’s retailers, food producers, service providers and community-based businesses.
“This is where BIGSABAH Sale can contribute to the effort. Exhibitors, buyers and visitors generate demand for accommodation, transport, food and other local services.
“The benefits can last beyond the event itself when a meeting leads to a purchase order, a distribution agreement or a new investment,” he said.
He encouraged exhibitors to use the opportunity to meet buyers, exchange ideas and build partnerships.
“May ‘Across Markets, Beyond Borders’ inspire Sabah’s entrepreneurs to reach further with confidence.
“Congratulations to the Organising Committee and all partners on BIGSABAH Sale 2026. I wish everyone a productive and successful event,” he said.
