Kota Kinabalu: The cooperative established by the Malaysia–China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah - Koperasi Usahawan Utama Sabah Berhad - has officially obtained its Certificate of Registration, enabling it to commence full operations immediately and marking a new phase of development for the organisation.
The cooperative has raised nearly RM300,000 in initial funding, and has set RM5 million as its medium- to long-term capital target.
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It aims to expand its capital base to RM1 million by December 2026, progressively building a solid financial foundation to support future industrial projects and platform development.
Cooperative Chairman Louis Su said under the leadership of MCCC Sabah President Datuk Dexter Lau, the cooperative progressed systematically from constitution drafting to administrative compliance, culminating in the successful approval of its Certificate of Registration - a key milestone that enables the cooperative to move into full execution mode.
He added that the cooperative will now begin implementing its development plans in accordance with established governance frameworks, working to build a safe, transparent and growth-oriented platform for members.
It is worth noting that the cooperative is exclusively open to MCCC Sabah members, serving as a dedicated platform to strengthen capital collaboration and joint industrial development.
The cooperative’s Board of Directors comprises 13 members - including three representatives from the main committees, with one of them serving as the Chairperson of the Board, two representatives from the Women Entrepreneurs Committee (WEC), and eight representatives from the members.
This structure ensures a balanced representation of expertise, leadership and grassroots participation.
“MCCC Sabah applies strict criteria in its membership selection. Individuals who are unable to fulfil responsibilities, meet standards or contribute meaningfully to the organisation are not admitted,” Louis Su said.
“This is why we firmly believe our members possess the professional capabilities and qualifications needed to drive the cooperative’s development.”
Approximately 40pc of members of MCCC Sabah hold positions at various levels - including the national council, the Sabah branch and the cooperative - actively contributing to the Chamber’s growth and organisational strength.
“These members play a crucial role in expanding the Chamber’s influence, enhancing its organisational resilience and strengthening its governance structure,” he said.
“With a strong membership foundation and an increasingly robust organisational framework, we are confident that MCCC Sabah will accelerate its growth over the next three years, continue solidifying its position in the business community and drive more cross-sectoral cooperation and regional economic development.”
Strategically, the cooperative will prioritise investment, finance and industrial development, driving capital mobilisation, project incubation, industry collaboration and resource integration to build a sustainable and growth-oriented industrial ecosystem.
On this foundation, the cooperative will also expand into high-potential sectors, including the Halal product value chain, which aligns with global market trends.
This development will include product innovation, supply chain integration, cross-border trade and certification systems. The positioning not only responds to the rapid global expansion of the Halal market but also leverages Sabah’s natural advantages as a multicultural state, helping member enterprises expand into ASEAN, Middle Eastern and international markets.
Louis Su reiterated that the cooperative’s core spirit lies in resource integration and platform co-development, rather than operating as a single commercial project. Guided by the principle of “co-build, co-share,” the cooperative aims to create a transparent, fair-participation and risk-managed environment that delivers sustainable long-term returns for its members.
Moving forward, Koperasi Usahawan Utama Sabah Berhad will continue strengthening linkages with government agencies, government-linked companies (GLCs), SMEs, NGOs and industry players to stimulate cross-sector collaboration and inject new momentum into industrial development in Sabah and the wider region.
With the operating license now in place, the cooperative’s development blueprint has become increasingly clear. This milestone not only signifies a steady beginning but also opens a new chapter for Sabah’s business community on the path of “co-building, co-sharing and co-winning.”
The cooperative will continue to uphold professionalism, transparency and responsibility, uniting members as it advances toward a more competitive and sustainable future.
Recently, Southwest Coast Regional Director of the Malaysia Cooperatives Commission, Asnijah Ibin, officially handed over the operating license to Louis Su, symbolising the successful completion of the cooperative’s institutional setup and affirming its readiness for fully compliant, stable and sustainable operations.
Among those present at the ceremony were founding board members Jacky Chin, Mae Chai, Keith Chin, and Senior Assistant Officer for Economic Affairs Ahmaddian.
