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Kota Kinabalu: There have been many successes in the GRS-led State Government’s initiatives to transform Sabah’s economy since taking over the helm in September 2020, said Sabah Economic Advisory Council SEAC Chairman Tan Sri David Chu.

Commending Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor for forming the SEAC to assist on economic management and policies, he said the Chief Minister has remained committed to a massive restructuring of the State’s economy that has yielded results. 

Sabah’s revenue has exceeded past records since GRS took over the administration in 2020. Revenue exceeded RM6 billion for the first time last year.

In his speech delivered by SEAC member Datuk John Lo, he said Sabah’s on-going economic transformation is meant to benefit the young generation and their children.

 “I hope you will embrace and grow your business in tandem with the improving economy of Sabah,” he said, adding they should also embrace a “Sabahan First” policy in their endeavours, whether in business or industry.

“SEAC will collaborate and co-operate with you to build up the Sabah Young Business & Industry Leaders Network,” he said.

Later, Lo in his capacity as SEAC Council advisor, also urged Sabahans to take ownership of the state economy.

“It is imperative, for the sake of Sabah’s economic future and Sabah’s future generations, that we groom many young Sabahan business and economic leaders to continue the present trend of economic growth and restructuring,” he said.

Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, Datuk Dr Roland Chia Ming Shen, said it is very meaningful for Sabah that many business and job opportunities are being created for the younger generations to stay back and contribute to Sabah’s growth rather than migrate and cause a brain drain.

Ar. James Wong

Sabah Young Business and Industry Leaders (Sybil) Chairman, Ar. James Wong, said the young entrepreneur programme was an initiative to assist SEAC in formulating a policy to develop young economic leadership in the state.

“We (Sybil) help to mobilise about 100 young business and industry leaders from Sandakan, Tawau even Kuala Lumpur for an engagement to see where young industry professionals can add value, support and partner up with the government to help solve real problem of the day,” he said.

The programme is solution-based and a platform for young business leaders to brainstorm ways to build a stronger and vibrant future economy for Sabah.

It is in line with the Chief Minister’s call to young business and industry leaders in Sabah to partner with the State Government and assist in realising the state’s development agendas for the benefit of Sabah and the people.

“In the past, we lived in an uncertain economy in Sabah where our neighbours have been zooming past us in terms of economic growth, innovation, talent, and industry. 

“We need to look towards building a robust and dynamic future-economy together  by building a platform of like-minded young industry leaders who can partner the government-of-the-day in helping solve real world issues and think about Sabah’s future competitiveness in the next 5-10-20 years,” he said.