KOTA KINABALU: Sabah SME Fest 2026, organised for the first time by the Department of Industrial Development and Research (DIDR), serves as an important platform to empower the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, one of the key drivers of Sabah’s economic growth.
Deputy Chief Minister III and Sabah Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Datuk Ewon Benedick said the three-day festival, held in conjunction with MSME Week, also provides a conducive platform for business development, innovation, strategic networking and expanded market access for local entrepreneurs.
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He said more than 60 exhibitors from various sectors are participating in the festival, with approximately 5,000 visitors expected throughout the event.
“Sabah SME Fest 2026 is the first festival of its kind organised by DIDR, bringing together entrepreneurs, government agencies, financial institutions, entrepreneurship development bodies and the private sector on a comprehensive platform.
“It not only promotes MSME products and services but also serves as a space for strategic networking, knowledge-sharing and the exploration of business opportunities that can directly benefit Sabah entrepreneurs,” he said at the official opening ceremony of Sabah SME Fest 2026.
Ewon said the programme helps MSMEs enhance their competitiveness through exposure to various forms of support provided by the government and strategic partners, including entrepreneurship training, business digitalisation, machinery and equipment assistance, certification support and expanded market access.
He added that the festival also provides entrepreneurs with opportunities to promote their products and services to consumers, potential buyers, government agencies and industry partners.
“Strategic collaborations such as the Sabah DigitalUp Launchpad 2026 and the Sabah Digital Mall Campaign on TikTok enable MSMEs to expand their market reach through digital platforms and penetrate broader national and regional markets,” he said.
He noted that among the main challenges faced by MSMEs in Sabah are improving productivity, expanding market access and adapting to technological and digital transformation.
In this regard, he said the State government remains committed to supporting entrepreneurs through various MSME development initiatives, including SME-UP assistance, entrepreneurship training and business digitalisation programmes.
“As of last year, a total of 5,879 entrepreneurs had successfully received assistance through the SME-UP Assistance Programme,” he added.
At the same time, Ewon said the government has introduced a Special Entrepreneurship Development Fund worth RM1 million and expanded the implementation of the SME-UP Assistance Programme 2026 to help MSMEs grow sustainably.
He added that the Ministry of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport (MINDET) is also collaborating with TikTok Shop Malaysia through the Sabah DigitalUp Launchpad 2026 initiative, which targets the participation of 1,000 MSMEs, RM10 million in digital sales value and RM1 million in investments in the form of grants, training and community support.
“We want to see more Sabah entrepreneurs grow from local brands into national and regional success stories, and ultimately penetrate international markets. Through close collaboration between the government, financial institutions, the private sector and technology providers, we can ensure that entrepreneurs have access to the training, financing, digitalisation, marketing and networking opportunities they need to continue growing and remain competitive,” he said.
The event also saw the distribution of SME grants to MSMEs for packaging and labelling, as well as machinery and equipment.
The event also saw the appointment of Unduk Ngadau 2026 titleholder Gelvis Vanessa Jenny as the ambassador for Sabah SME products for a one-year term.
“I hope that with the ambassador’s popularity and positive public image, Sabah-made products can be promoted more effectively,” Ewon said, adding that the initiative is expected to increase awareness and encourage consumers to support local products and businesses.
Also present were Assistant Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Datuk Jonnybone J. Kurum, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport (MINDET) Datuk Thomas Logijin, and Director of the Department of Industrial Development and Research (DIDR) Siti Nur’Ain Abdullah.
