Kota Kinabalu: Eight Sabah-based companies are showcasing their products at the Seoul Food and Hotel Expo 2026 in South Korea this week, as the Sabah Industry, Entrepreneurship and Transport Ministry renewed its commitment to helping local businesses break into international markets.
Its Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick, who is also Deputy Chief Minister III, opened the Sabah Pavilion at the Korea International Exhibition Centre on Tuesday on the sidelines of the four-day trade fair in Seoul.
Ewon said his Ministry will sustain support for local companies through existing initiatives and new programmes aimed at sharpening the competitiveness of Sabah enterprises abroad.
“I am proud that more and more local Sabah companies are now successfully penetrating the global market, with revenues reaching millions to tens of millions of Ringgits annually.
“Their success allows more local children to have employment opportunities and builds supply chains and enterprise services,” he said.
The eight participating companies are Kerupuk Lelek Enterprise Sdn Bhd, Yuly Global International Sdn Bhd, Aryana Food Sdn Bhd, Hong Xin Food Sdn Bhd, RDS Juta Food Industries Sdn Bhd, Norcy Beautylab Sdn Bhd, BTC Corporation Sdn Bhd and Takahari Marketing Sdn Bhd.
Ewon credited the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade), with playing a significant role in facilitating local companies’ entry into global markets through trade promotion and export development programmes.
He said the participation of Sabah companies in the Seoul expo is expected to open further opportunities for trade, investment and international business networking, strengthening the presence of Sabah products and brands in world markets.
The Seoul Food and Hotel Expo 2026, now in its 44th edition, drew more than 3,400 booths involving 1,800 companies from 49 countries, with Malaysia among the participating nations.
Ewon also attended the official opening ceremony of the expo alongside other members of the Sabah delegation.
