Latest news with #IndustrialDevelopmentandEntrepreneurship
Daily Express
14 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah tops Malaysia in Q1 manufacturing investment with RM7.3 billion
Published on: Friday, June 20, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jun 20, 2025 By: Sisca Humphrey Text Size: Phoong receives a memento from SME Sabah president Deledda Than KOTA KINABALU: Sabah recorded RM7.3 billion in manufacturing investments in the first quarter of this year, making it Malaysia's top destination for the sector. Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe said local SMEs must not rely solely on foreign capital and should industrialise to remain competitive. Advertisement Phoong announced RM15 million in state funding to help SMEs automate, upgrade machinery, and expand while noting Sabah's exports rose 11 per cent up to May. He also highlighted Sabah's ongoing industrial push, including a 100MW Battery Energy Storage System in Lahad Datu and AirAsia's new KK–Taipei–Fukuoka route. Phoong cautioned against implementing overlapping federal policies and stressed that economic reforms must not burden SMEs as Sabah's unemployment rate improved to 6.7 per cent. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- Daily Express
Over 100 brands, activities lined up for Smart Lifestyle Expo 2025
Published on: Thursday, June 19, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 19, 2025 Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: The Smart Lifestyle Expo 2025 is set to light up the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) from June 27 to 29. Held at Kinabatangan Hall 1 and 2, the three-day event will spotlight health-focused living and fun-filled activities for all ages. Advertisement Organising Chairperson Monica Shiau said the event is designed to help the community unlock the benefits of smarter living through interactive exhibits, expert-led sessions, and community engagement. She said this is not just an exhibition but a celebration of how technology, wellness, and creativity can come together to enhance daily life. 'Visitors can look forward to over 100 top brands, immersive experiences, and curated highlight zones,' she said. Monica said the event will be officiated by Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe. Advertisement Among the main attractions is 'Colour Pop', a creative space where children can draw, scan, and watch their artwork come to life in a digital playground. 'Wellness for All', a free health and healing zone, will offer complimentary posture analysis, health screenings, diffuser demonstrations, and energy healing. Fitness enthusiasts can participate in seaside stationary cycling sessions led by invited coaches from South Korea, organised by 22 Cycle, while sports fans can catch the inaugural Decakila Cup 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament featuring youth and open categories. She said shoppers will be delighted to discover immersive deals on home essentials and smart appliances, with savings of up to 70 per cent. Additional offers include a mattress trade-in promotion. The excitement continues with Grab-The-Cash, where every RM200 spent could win visitors a share of RM30,000 in cash and up to RM300,000 in prizes and vouchers. Other activities include the Expo Adventure passport game, daily lucky draws, exclusive door gifts, and the vibrant Baby Fair – a special section celebrating parenting, early childhood, and family life. Attendees can also explore Wholistic Wellness guided by QiMag's 10 Pillars of Sustainable Wellness, and savour Sabah's finest at the local bites and artisan market, featuring food, crafts, and local brands. Admission is free, and visitors can also redeem free 'Colour Pop' tickets through the Daily Express newspaper. Whether you are a wellness seeker, tech enthusiast, or simply looking for a meaningful family weekend, the Smart Lifestyle Expo 2025 is shaping up to be a must-visit event for all. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Sabah snags third spot for approved investments in 1Q this year
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has cemented its position as one of Malaysia's most attractive economic destinations by securing the third highest spot for approved investments with a total of RM10.9bil obtained in the first quarter of 2025, says Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe. The Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister said the amount has already surpassed the total investment recorded for 2024, reflecting renewed confidence in Sabah's growth potential and economic direction. 'Sabah now ranks just behind Selangor and Kuala Lumpur in terms of total approved investments in Malaysia,' he said, citing the latest figures from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority. Foreign direct investment was the main driver, contributing RM6.6bil or 61%, while domestic direct investment accounted for RM4.29bil or 39%. He said this interest from both international and local players signals strong faith in Sabah's business ecosystem. The manufacturing sector emerged as the largest contributor, drawing RM7.3bil in approved investments, which marked the highest in Malaysia for this quarter. Of that amount, RM6.59bil (91.3%) came from foreign sources, while RM711mil (9.7%) originated from Malaysia. The services sector followed with RM2.83bil, and the primary sector attracted RM757.1mil. 'These achievements show that Sabah is not just keeping pace, but emerging as a frontrunner in key sectors, supported by our investor-friendly environment and the state government's strong commitment to driving industrial development,' Phoong said. Despite the ongoing global economic uncertainty and geopolitical challenges, Sabah remains a competitive, resilient and trusted destination for capital and enterprise, he added. 'The state government remains steadfast in its efforts to strengthen the investment ecosystem and continues to welcome both foreign and domestic investors to help realise our vision of a sustainable and inclusive economic future for Sabah,' he said.
Daily Express
13-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Sandakan hosts crucial Mapex
Published on: Friday, June 13, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jun 13, 2025 By: Winnie Kasmir Text Size: Phoong (second, left) visiting one of the booths at the event. SANDAKAN: The second edition of the Malaysia Palm Oil Expo (Mapex) 2025 in Sandakan has been hailed as a crucial platform for industry players to connect, exchange insights, and explore future growth opportunities in Sabah's palm oil and biomass sectors, said Sabah's Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship, Datuk Ginger Phoong Jin Zhe. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the event, Phoong emphasised that the palm oil industry is at a turning point, where numerous opportunities are emerging particularly in renewable energy and sustainable industry practices. Advertisement 'I'd like to congratulate the organisers. Mapex provides an opportunity for us to think together and move the industry forward. 'It allows stakeholders to discuss pressing issues such as renewable energy, green practices, and certification processes, especially given the various challenges facing Sabah's palm oil sector,' he said. He urged industry players to tap into the potential of downstream activities and the development of the palm biomass sector in Sabah. 'I've just returned from Osaka, Japan, where I met several companies expressing serious interest in investing in Sabah's biomass industry. 'This reflects growing global confidence in our resources and long-term potential,' he added. Phoong also highlighted Sandakan's strategic location within the palm oil supply chain and called for greater investment, both local and international to accelerate economic development in the region. 'We want to attract major investors to Sabah, particularly to Sandakan. More investments mean more factories, more job opportunities, and overall economic growth. 'Events like Mapex are not only investment platforms but also an avenue to showcase Sandakan to the international market,' he said. He concluded by expressing hope that Mapex and similar events will continue to be held regularly to further boost Sabah's position as a leading hub for sustainable palm oil and biomass development. Mapex 2025 which held from 11 to 12 June at Hakka Hall brings together an international congregation of both upstream and downstream palm oil companies, along with their supporting industries to Sandakan. This expo highlights the latest developments and innovations in the palm oil sector, reflecting the significant role East Malaysia plays in the industry. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
11-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Hundreds expected at SME Sabah conference this year
Published on: Wednesday, June 11, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jun 11, 2025 By: Sisca Humphrey Text Size: Dr Deledda (centre), Sunny (fifth, left) with the members of SME Sabah. Kota Kinabalu: The SME Sabah 2025 Conference, set to take place on June 20 here, is expected to attract over 400 participants from across Malaysia, including small and medium enterprise (SME) owners, industry leaders and professionals. Carrying the theme 'Mastering Sustainability & Empowering the Change,' the one-day event aims to deliver practical insights and actionable strategies that will help strengthen SME resilience, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability. Advertisement President of SME Sabah Dr Deledda Tan, said the conference was curated to address timely challenges and provide a knowledge-sharing platform for entrepreneurs to navigate their business growth journey. 'We understand the struggles of staying relevant and competitive. With this year's theme and topics are aligned with current issues faced by businesses, especially SMEs. 'Our aim is to inspire and empower participants with fresh perspectives, tools and strategies to grow their business and, at the same time, contribute to the overall economic development of the State,' she said during the media preview for the conference, here on Tuesday. She also emphasised that the conference reflects SME Sabah's mission to create a resilient and forward-looking business ecosystem. 'We want SMEs to walk away feeling recharged, with new connections and actionable knowledge,' Dr Deledda said. Organising Chairman Sunny Chai said the event will feature experts covering key topics such as ESG, occupational safety and health, talent development and retention, as well as business transformation. 'Through this conference, we hope to bring in best practices and insights that can be applied directly to participants' businesses. 'The sessions are designed not just to educate, but to motivate entrepreneurs and business owners to take the next step in their transformation journe,' he said. He also said the event will promote active engagement between entrepreneurs, government and private sector stakeholders. 'This is more than a conference. It is a collaborative platform to exchange ideas and co-create meaningful solutions,' he said. The Guest of Honour will be State Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe. Registration for the SME Sabah 2025 Conference is now open. The participation fee is RM588 per person (normal price) or RM688 per person (claimable under HRD Corp). He said the programme is also eligible for 6.5 CPD hours under the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Sabah branch The day-long programme includes speaker sessions from 8am to 4.30pm, followed by a networking dinner from 7pm to 11pm. For registration or enquiries, interested participants may contact SME Sabah at 019-969 0072. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
