Kota Kinabalu: Deputy Chief Minister III and State Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick (pic) says strategic cooperation with industry players is a key component in realising the Sabah First vision currently being advanced by his Ministry.
He said the Sabah First policy would form the foundation for developing three major ecosystems, namely investment, business and entrepreneurship, while strengthening the standards and quality of products and services of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
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According to him, the Federation of Sabah Industries (FSI), which brings together more than 200 companies from sectors, including food and beverages, construction materials, oil and gas, logistics, furniture and textiles, has long served as an important backbone of Sabah’s industrial community for over four decades.
“I am pleased to foster a spirit of unity and collaboration in developing Sabah’s potential in line with the Sabah First vision that I aim to drive in this Ministry.
“Good relations and cooperation with stakeholders, especially industry players such as FSI, are fundamental to the success of the Sabah First vision,” he said at the 42nd anniversary celebration and swearing-in ceremony of FSI’s new leadership, here, on Sunday.
Beginning January 2026, he said the Ministry will hold a series of engagement sessions with FSI and other industry groups to discuss investment, business and entrepreneurial ecosystems, while strengthening the support framework for Sabah’s industrialisation efforts.
At the same time, he said his focus throughout December would be on official visits to departments, agencies and government-linked companies under his portfolio, ahead of the engagement phase with industry players.
Ewon also emphasised that the integration of the transport portfolio under his Ministry was a strategic move to enhance state connectivity through road, port, airport and multi-modal systems to support industrial growth and smooth logistics operations.
Regarding the event, he expressed appreciation to FSI for its continued support in driving Sabah’s industrial growth, while encouraging industry players to strengthen capabilities and seize opportunities in an evolving investment landscape.
“I invite all industry players during tonight’s table-to-table visit to work together in advancing Sabah First, for a better Sabah. I truly value the support and collaboration given to realise this vision,” he added.
Ewon also congratulated FSI’s newly-appointed leadership and hoped strong cooperation between the Government and industry will continue to be reinforced for a more competitive economic future for the State.
