DONGGONGON: The state can leapfrog traditional development paths by embracing cutting-edge technologies - particularly in green innovation and Artificial Intelligence.
In the first quarter of 2025 alone, Sabah attracted RM10.9 billion in approved investments, which is one of the highest in Malaysia.
The manufacturing sector was the largest contributor, accounting for RM7.3 billion of that figure. Sabah has to grow its manufacturing sector to make the state prosperous.
“This is proof that investor confidence in Sabah is strong. It is also a clear signal that our policies, infrastructure upgrades, and human capital development are bearing fruit.”
State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe stressed this at the opening of the V Creator 2025 two-day entrepreneur camp at the Sabah Credit Corporation event hall, recently.
He said Sabah is being positioned to be an important Hot Briquetted Iron producer and exporter to the world.
“One example I am particularly excited about is microalgae technology. It may sound small, but its potential is massive.
“Through strategic adoption of microalgae innovations, Sabah can venture into the development of biomass industries, including biofuels, bioplastics, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
“This aligns perfectly with our green agenda. This is not just about environmental sustainability; it is about economic opportunity. It’s about new markets, new skills, and new jobs, which are created here in Sabah, by Sabahans.
“With these economic opportunities, we can see huge economic growth. Growth like what we are seeing this year in our first quarter of investments into Sabah,” Phoong said.
Phoong exhorted the participants to think bigger in their aspirations and plans to grow and expand their business market beyond the state.
“This year, I want to challenge our entrepreneurs to think even bigger. This is the 7th year that this competition is being organized and it has been a constantly improving event; getting better and better each year.
“Our focus in the Ministry remains steadfast: to build an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive, where local products can compete globally, and where innovative ideas can flourish from seed to scale.
“We are on the brink of a new chapter for Sabah; a chapter that is defined by sustainability, digital transformation, and youth-driven innovation.
“As you embark on this two-day journey of learning, networking, and pitching, I encourage every one of you to challenge convention, embrace innovation, and create with purpose.”
Phoong commended Dato George Lim, Founder and President of Sabah Entrepreneurs Transformation (SET) which organised the event that has become a key platform for cultivating Sabah’s next generation of innovators and leaders.
“George has been a tireless advocate for the entrepreneur ecosystem, constantly pushing boundaries and encouraging our local entrepreneurs to level up.”
In his speech, George urged participants to focus on what AI can’t replace:
“People relationships, communication, trust, and execution”, even though AI tools and its prompting skills are widely used for advantage.”
He said under the Sabah Entrepreneurship Transformation (SET) initiative, “we’ve stayed true to our mission: to create 100 entrepreneurs every year.”
“Today, we have empowered over 1,000 entrepreneurs and touched more than 100,000 lives across our business communities. But in this fast-changing world, building a business is no longer enough.
He elaborated on the three “Critical Skills for Future Entrepreneurs that includes empathetic leadership.
“Lead with care. Understand your customers. Solve meaningful problems. Purpose-driven businesses win lasting loyalty. The future rewards those who adapt fast. Start now - don’t wait.
“SET is more than a programme - it’s a movement. We’ve developed four key pillars to accelerate entrepreneurship:
- The 2-Day Business Camp – for ideation, strategy, and pitch readiness
- The Pitching Competition & Awards – with RM50,000 in funding for the Top 5
- The Monthly Leadership Mentoring – to build long-term capacity
- A powerful ecosystem – linking entrepreneurs to funding, mentorship, and markets.
