Kota Kinabalu: Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Phoong Jin Zhe said the just concluded Sabah International Expo (SIE) 2023 edition had set new benchmarks, leaving an indelible mark on the global stage.
This year’s SIE emerged as a testament to Sabah’s prowess in industrial development and entrepreneurship, he added.
Drawing a diverse array of 340 exhibitors from 21 countries, Phoong said SIE 2023 leapt forward from its previous edition, which hosted 151 exhibitors from 14 countries in 2016, and the event garnered enthusiastic attention from over 50,000 visitors, reflecting its growing international appeal and influence.
“This year’s over-the-counter sales skyrocketed to an astounding RM8.94 million, a staggering leap from the modest RM456,000 in 2016.
Equally noteworthy was the exponential growth in future orders, soaring to RM160 million compared to RM30 million in 2016, underscoring the SIE’s profound impact on business ventures,” he said in a statement Wednesday.
For the first time in its history, SIE 2023 received unwavering support from the Sabah Government, a pivotal moment signifying the expo’s elevated status.
Phoong, together with organising co-chairmen – MICCI Sabah Chairman Datuk Lee Swi Heng, FSI President Richard Lim and the Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Ministry (MIDE) Permanent Secretary Datuk Thomas Logijin —- provided exemplary leadership, fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation that propelled SIE 2023 to unparalleled heights.
A striking feature of SIE 2023 held from Sept 22-24 was the debut of the Sabah Pavilion, a collective representation of government agencies including Mide, Department of Industrial Development and Research (DIDR), Invest Sabah Berhad, Sedco, KKIP Sdn Bhd, SOGDC, POIC Sabah and Seida.
Within this Pavilion, DIDR spotlighted 14 local entrepreneurs, amplifying Sabah’s commitment to nurturing local talent and fostering economic resilience.
The international spirit of collaboration was epitomised by the launch of Mini Thailand Week, spearheaded by the Royal Thai Embassy in Malaysia.
This segment showcased 74 exhibitors from Thailand, showcasing diverse products such as food and beverages, smart farming technology, and innovation, fostering cultural exchange and mutual learning.
Furthermore, SIE 2023 facilitated impactful collaborations, exemplified by the signing of four Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Brunei and a Sabah company, Jetsin Sdn Bhd.
These agreements signify a harmonious partnership, promising innovative strides in the realm of food-processed products.
Expressing profound gratitude to all stakeholders, participants and visitors especially his organising committee, namely Thomas and Phoong emphasised that the resounding success of SIE 2023 was a testament to Sabah’s pioneering spirit.
He also looks forward to achieving greater success in the next edition of SIE.
