Kota Kinabalu: Sabah’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are targeting RM80 million in potential sales through participation in 13 international expos in 2026, as the State government intensifies efforts to expand global market access for local products.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said the expos will provide strategic platforms for Sabah-based businesses to strengthen export readiness, establish international partnerships and explore new markets.
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“In 2026, the Ministry is expected to participate in 13 international expos with a targeted potential sales value of RM80 million,” he said during the Sabah SME Association Chinese New Year Gala Dinner here, on Thursday.
Among the international events scheduled between March and June are FHA–Food & Beverage in Singapore, Thaifex Anuga Asia in Thailand and Seoul Food & Hotel in South Korea, which are expected to position Sabah products more competitively in regional and global markets.
Ewon, who is also State Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister, said Sabah products have strong commercial appeal internationally and local SMEs are capable of competing globally with the right preparation and support.
“Sabah products have strong international and commercial appeal, and with the right partnerships, preparation and market access, local SMEs are well positioned to expand beyond our borders and compete confidently at the global level,” he said.
He also acknowledged concerns from the business community over congestion at the Sepanggar Bay Container Port, which has affected logistics movements in Sabah.
“The Ministry is deeply concerned about congestion at the Sepanggar Bay Container Port, which has affected Sabah state logistics movements,” he said, adding that the State Cabinet approved an Interim Action Plan on Feb 4 to address the issue while port expansion works continue.
Beyond market expansion and infrastructure improvements, Ewon said recognising business excellence is equally important in strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem, noting that the Anugerah Kecemerlangan Industri Sabah (Akis) will continue to be enhanced to highlight innovation and competitiveness among industry players.
During the event, he also announced a RM20,000 contribution to the SME Association of Sabah to support the gala dinner and initiatives led by the association’s Women Entrepreneur Bureau.
Meanwhile, Sabah SME Association President Deledda Tan said SMEs are currently navigating a challenging operating environment marked by rising costs and increasing regulatory requirements.
“As we step into 2026, the economic landscape remains uncertain and volatile. Our SMEs are navigating what feels like a perfect storm,” she said.
She said businesses are facing higher compliance obligations including e-invoicing implementation and SST requirements, as well as rising manpower and labour costs, while competition in the domestic market has intensified with the entry of more international players.
“With the entry of more international players, particularly from China, many of our local SMEs are working harder than ever to maintain and grow their market share,” she said.
Despite the pressures, she stressed that SMEs remain a key pillar of Sabah’s economy.
“SMEs are the backbone of Sabah’s economy. We create jobs, drive innovation and sustain communities across the state,” she said.
She emphasised that the association hopes for continued government support through accessible financing, grants and policies that help local entrepreneurs manage the cost of digital transformation and expansion.
Deledda also announced that SME Sabah will organise a business delegation to Hainan in March to help members explore cross-border collaboration opportunities, while the association has launched its mobile application to strengthen networking and member engagement.
Organising Chairlady Sally Chen said the gala dinner reflected the unity and resilience of Sabah’s SME community across sectors such as manufacturing, services, tourism, technology and logistics.
“We may be small individually, but when we stand together as a community, our collective strength is powerful,” she said.
The event brought together entrepreneurs, industry leaders, banking representatives and government officials, providing a platform to strengthen partnerships and support the continued growth of Sabah’s SME ecosystem.
Also present were former Chief Minister Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee, Sabah SME Association Honorary Life (Founding) President Professor Datuk Foo Ngee Kee, Honorary Life President Datuk Frankie Liew, Honorary Advisors Datuk (Dr) Tan Kai Teck and Datuk Susan Wong, and Sabah Chinese Chamber of Commerce President Datuk Michael Lui Yen Sang, as well as several State Assemblymen, representatives of State leaders and ministries, foreign consulates, government agencies and GLCs, business associations and sponsors.
