Kota Kinabalu: The Deputy President of the Malaysia–China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah, Kapitan Dr. Callee Tan Kai Lee, believes that rural areas have never been the periphery but rather future growth zones rich with untapped potential.
She made this statement in response to the recent call by Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Datuk Ewon Benedick, urging agencies under his ministry to intensify efforts in developing rural entrepreneurs nationwide.
Dr. Tan highlighted that under the leadership of Datuk Dexter Lau, the MCCC Sabah has been actively serving as a vital bridge between the government and the business community, aligning with national development policies to promote Sabah’s balanced economic and social growth.
“Our Chamber’s network extends across the entire state, including the east coast and interior regions. We are ready to work closely with government agencies to translate national policies into local action plans—so that policies truly reach the communities and benefit people on the ground,” she said.
She added that MCCC Sabah not only focuses on urban economic development but has long attached importance to the empowerment of rural entrepreneurs.
Dr. Tan further emphasised that rural areas—endowed with abundant natural resources, cultural diversity, and human capital—are indispensable pillars of Malaysia’s economic ecosystem.
With proper policy frameworks and effective implementation, she said, rural areas can become powerful drivers of regional economic revival.
She agreed with Minister Ewon’s direction, noting that as Malaysia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem becomes increasingly urban-centric, it is timely to reevaluate the strategic role of rural economies in the national development agenda.
“Rural entrepreneurs often face high operating costs, limited financing, and restricted market reach. With strong policy guidance, structured training, and effective market linkages, they can rise to become key contributors to the national economy,” she said.
She stressed that supporting rural entrepreneurs must go beyond short-term financial aid to encompass ecosystem building — through industrial chain integration, cooperative models, and market-oriented mentorship that fosters long-term sustainability.
Dr. Tan also expressed her full support for Datuk Ewon’s “Look East Within the Country” policy, saying it reflects a forward-looking vision that acknowledges the potential of Sabah and Sarawak. She added that combining this policy with the implementation capacity of local chambers, cooperatives, and community-based organisations would ensure that development efforts are more targeted, grounded, and sustainable.
“Sabah’s rural regions possess rich agricultural resources, unique handicraft industries, and thriving tourism potential. However, without systematic policy support, professional guidance, and logistical infrastructure, these strengths cannot be fully transformed into tangible economic outcomes,” she noted.
She urged the government to involve local chambers and community organisations more extensively when planning entrepreneurship funds and project allocations, in order to establish a long-term mechanism of ‘co-creation, co-management, and shared benefits’.
Such collaboration, she said, would not only provide funding but also help rural enterprises strengthen market access, improve management capacity, and build brand value.
Dr. Tan affirmed that MCCC Sabah will continue to uphold its principle of “taking from society, giving back to society,” by actively supporting government initiatives on enterprise development, cooperative systems, and talent training — all aimed at building an inclusive, balanced, and sustainable economy.
“True economic inclusivity is not only about urban prosperity but also about empowering rural communities. Only when rural entrepreneurs share the opportunities for growth can Malaysia’s economic transformation be considered complete,” she concluded.
