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Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Young Business & Industry Leaders (SYBIL) Network concluded its 2025 calendar year with an exclusive networking event, bringing together stakeholders from across Sabah’s business, government, and professional communities.

This event reflects on SYBIL’s role as a trusted platform for connection and collaboration, as well as an opportunity for SYBIL to express their heartfelt gratitude to all who have supported SYBIL’s mission and initiatives this year.

Throughout 2025, SYBIL has brought meaningful impact across sectors which focus on; youth and education development, industry collaboration, and entrepreneurship empowerment which ultimately provided numerous engagement opportunities for young Sabahan leaders and entrepreneurs.

SYBIL’s flagship event; CEO Masterclass 2025 led by Ms. Precilla Fong, was successfully co-organized with the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MICCI) Sabah in July, whereas the SYBIL Academy & Industrial Exposure coordinated programs for students to obtain real-world learning from Sabahan companies namely; JWA Design & Build Sdn Bhd and Jetsin Sdn Bhd.

The leading values in SYBIL emphasize on Head, Heart & Fist; assembling intelligent problem-solvers, community-minded leaders dedicated to Sabah’s prosperity, and people of action who get things done.

To enforce this, SYBIL has working taskforces that have made immense progress for this year. Under Taskforce Leader Ir. Jack Lee, SYBIL advanced Sabah’s Blue Economy agenda with the proposal of hybrid farm initiatives and engagements with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Secretariat in supporting discussions on Blue Economy standards and quality frameworks that align with sustainable, inclusive economic growth.

Another proud initiative led by Ar. Chan Lik San, is the Sabah Forward podcast series which provides a storytelling platform amplifying inspiring perspectives from Sabah’s changemakers.

Guest speakers include Jessica Yew (Sticky Rice Travel), Stefanus Able (Former Mr. Kaamatan 2022 and media personality), and Farish Aziz (actor, broadcaster, and host) which aimed to bring spotlight to role models whom exemplify entrepreneurial grit and creative passion.

In 2025, SYBIL is proud to acknowledge the contribution of its leaders towards the governance and strategic development of Sabah.

Congratulations are in order for YB Datuk Roger Chin Ken Fong, Vice President of SYBIL, upon his appointment as a Nominated Assemblyman for the Sabah State Legislative Assembly (DUN).

We share pride on his achievement in bringing professional insights and legal expertise to issues including Sabah’s revenue entitlements and national agreements, inspiring professionals across Sabah. 

SYBIL President, Datuk Ar. James Wong Kein Peng, has been entrusted to lead Sabah Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO) as the Group General Manager upon stepping into state service in March 2025, and has been tackling legacy challenges, initiating strategic programs, and driving asset revitalization with a focus on empowering local entrepreneurs and Sabahans.

Their stories remind us that real progress happens when professionals stand up, take responsibility, and use their skills not just to improve their careers, but to uplift their community and advance Sabah’s future.

The SYBIL Year-End Networking Event provided an ideal space for reflection and idea exchange while reviewing 2025 milestones and looking forward to create an even greater impact in the year ahead.

As SYBIL closes the year, the Network continues to stand as a vibrant platform where Sabah’s youths and industry leaders unite to shape a stronger, more inclusive, and prosperous Sabah economy.