Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government plans to establish a dedicated creative economy unit next year as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s growing creative industry ecosystem and create more opportunities for young talents.
State Youth and Sports Development and Creative Economy Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan said his ministry officers had begun preparations for the unit, which is expected to be launched once a new budget allocation is approved.
“I will do my best to ensure that the creative economy genuinely benefits the people of Sabah, generates strong returns for the state’s economy and inspires young people to become more independent,” he said at the inaugural Creative Minds Forum 2026 organised by Daily Express and Malaysia and the Ministry at OITOM Restaurant, Sutera Avenue, last week.
The forum and roundtable discussion on issues of creative economy industries saw input by some 30 artists, singers, film makers, traditional crafters, emcees, influencers and art curators, among others.
“Actually, Sabah has a very special strength. We are not only rich in nature, but also rich in stories, culture, identity, language, music, art and community heritage that are immensely valuable.
“From film, music, visual arts, cultural performances, digital content, photography, design, events, festivals, fashion, food and creative tourism, every sector has room to be developed in a more structured and competitive manner.
He said the idea of creating a dedicated creative economy portfolio was first proposed to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor by industry players before the last state election.
“After we won the election, the Chief Minister was very understanding and created this portfolio. I was appointed to oversee it and will do my best to strengthen the creative economy in Sabah.
“However, talent alone is not enough if it is not supported by the right ecosystem.
“Sometimes major ideas do not begin in formal meeting rooms but through honest conversations, shared experiences and the courage to try something new. Also, sometimes major collaborations begin from small, sincere conversations like this forum organised by Daily Express,” he said.
He credited the efforts of the leading newspaper in Sabah in organising the Forum as the media has the power to power to elevate stories within the context of the creative industry.
“Today’s tourists do not simply want to see beautiful places. They want experiences. They want to understand culture. They want to take home meaningful stories. This is where Sabah’s strengths must be leveraged more strategically.
“When creative events, cultural festivals, music, film, food and community experiences are integrated with Sabah’s tourism strengths, we are not only attracting visitors but also encourage them to stay longer, spend more and return in the future,” he said.
Nizam added that the state’s creative economy agenda must remain inclusive and extend beyond urban centres to rural districts such as Tawau, Sandakan, Keningau, Kudat, Semporna, Lahad Datu, Kota Belud, Tenom and Ranau, where many talented young people lacked access to industry opportunities.
Also present were Nominated assemblyman Datuk Roger Chin, Chief Editor of Daily Express Datuk James Sarda, Daily Express Deputy General Manager Dexter Yeh and Sabah Convention Bureau Chief Executive Officer Datuk Noredah Othman and senior officials.
