Kota Kinabalu: Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick urged Sabah companies to enhance their compliance with international standards for their products and services.
He said this is crucial to ensure that the products and services of local companies are able to penetrate international markets and compete globally.
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According to him, based on data from the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) Singapore, as of December 2025, only 261 Sabah companies out of 12,742 Malaysian enterprises were registered under Matrade.
“This shows the need for us to double our efforts to ensure more local products and services are developed to meet the demands and standards of international markets,” said Ewon, who is State Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transportation Minister.
“One of my Ministry’s major focuses is to improve the standards and quality of Sabah entrepreneurs’ products and services.
“With compliance to international standards such as Halal certification, Mesti and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), local companies will be better prepared to enter overseas markets,” he told reporters after officiating the Sabah Industry Excellence Awards (AKIS), here, Saturday.
Ewon said his Ministry will continue to support entrepreneurs and local companies through appropriate policies and initiatives, including ensuring the necessary support to bring products and services to international markets.
“In terms of packaging, we will prioritise development in this area because it is very important for bringing local entrepreneurs’ products to international markets. This is part of my Ministry’s major focus, starting with tonight’s recognition,” he said.
He noted that his observations showed a significant difference in product packaging before and after receiving guidance from the Ministry.
“Feedback from programme participants showed their sales increased after product packaging was improved, as it became more attractive and met consumer demands.
“Packaging plays a major role in influencing consumer decisions. Therefore, this element will continue to be among the programms carried out by the Ministry so that Sabah entrepreneurs continue to benefit,” he said.
Ewon added that the guidance programmes also aim to raise entrepreneurs’ awareness of obtaining key certifications, such as Halal and ESG, which are essential components for entering international markets.
“These are major factors influencing consumer confidence abroad, while also helping entrepreneurs become more aware of the need to obtain the required certifications,” he said.
He said scaling up small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is among his Ministry’s main priorities, beginning with enhancing production capacity and strengthening product and service quality and standards.
“I want to see more companies from Sabah, including start-ups, developed and capable of producing products or services that meet international market standards, including markets in Singapore,” he added.
Six local Sabah companies were named winners of the Sabah Industry Excellence Awards (AKIS) 2024/2025 for outstanding performance, innovation and competitiveness in the industrial and entrepreneurial sectors.
The six companies were Brown Eyes Production, The Best Solution Management Sdn Bhd, Twinine Sdn Bhd, Kedai Emas Osheen Jaya Sdn Bhd, Onaki Sdn Bhd, Jetsin Sdn Bhd.
Brown Eyes Production won the Local SME Entrepreneur category for companies with annual sales of less than RM1 million.
The Best Solution Management Sdn Bhd won the category for local companies with annual sales of below RM5 million.
Twinine Sdn Bhd emerged winner in the category for local companies with annual sales of below RM10 million, while Kedai Emas Osheen Jaya Sdn Bhd won the category for local companies with annual sales between RM10 million and RM25 million.
Onaki Sdn Bhd won the category for local companies with annual sales of more than RM25 million up to RM50 million.
The open category for local companies with annual sales exceeding RM50 million or foreign-owned companies was won by Jetsin Sdn Bhd.
All the awards were presented by Ewon Benedick, who said AKIS serves as an important platform to recognise local companies that have demonstrated outstanding achievements and to set an example for other industry players in the State.
“This award is not merely a form of recognition, but is hoped to inspire more Sabah entrepreneurs to venture into competitive entrepreneurial and industrial fields at a higher level,” he said.
He said AKIS, which was introduced in 2007 and held biennially, has now entered a new decade of implementation, reflecting the State Government’s continued commitment to developing a sustainable and competitive industrial ecosystem.
“AKIS not only recognises the excellence of local companies and entrepreneurs, but also encourages healthy competition, boosts investor confidence and highlights best practices in company management and operations,” he said.
