Kota Kinabalu: State Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship, Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, called on youths to unite and lead economic transformation through innovation and government support.
Speaking at the launch of Chunk and Dunk’s third outlet at Imago Shopping Mall, last Saturday, Phoong said Sabah’s youth can overcome long-standing policy failures that have slowed progress.
“We’ve inherited outdated policies that have held Sabah back,” he said. “But we now have a strong, motivated young generation. If we work together, we can build a resilient and successful Sabah for future generations.”
His remarks followed concerns raised by Institute for Development Studies (Sabah) CEO, TS Dr Ramzah Dambul, who highlighted the neglect of Malaysia’s roadside and mobile economy. Ramzah urged immediate policy support, warning of long-term consequences if informal sectors are ignored.
“We’ve supported foreign investors, but overlooked our small and mobile traders.
“This issue is backed by 10 years of research. As global pressures rise, we must strengthen our local economy,” Ramzah said.
Ramzah called for a proper ecosystem to support these businesses, stressing that ignoring them now could lead to bigger economic challenges ahead.
Agreeing with Ramzah, Phoong said youth leadership, coupled with effective policies, can drive change. He praised local entrepreneur Adam Shamil, founder of Chunk and Dunk, as a model of youth success.
“My Ministry supports young entrepreneurs like Adam by working closely with them and helping them access the right agencies,” Phoong said.
Amid global uncertainties like trade wars and supply chain disruptions, he emphasized the need to strengthen Sabah’s domestic economy.
“Uncertainty hurts entrepreneurs. That’s why we’re focusing on building a resilient local economy,” he said.
Phoong also highlighted Sabah’s export growth, with local products now reaching Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore.
He ended with a call to action: “If we can’t help our young entrepreneurs succeed at home, who will?”
