Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Economic Development Corporation (Sedco), together with its subsidiaries, held a strategic engagement session with State Public Works Department (JKR), chaired by Ir. Mohd Shamsul Nizam Abdul Wahid, Deputy Director of the Pan Borneo Highway Sector to explore collaboration opportunities aimed at strengthening the State’s infrastructure development.
“Sedco, among other government-linked companies (GLCs) in Sabah, stand ready to fully support the Government in achieving its economic and infrastructure development goals,” said newly appointed Group General Manager Datuk Ar. James Wong Kein Peng.
The session was attended by key representatives from Sedco subsidiaries and state-owned enterprises including Sedco Precast, Cement Industries Sabah, Steel Industries Sabah, Perkasa Trading, Nippon Paint and IIB Insurance Brokers, representing a cross-section of Sabah’s industrial capacity, particularly in building materials and infrastructure support.
Shamsul provided a comprehensive update on the Pan Borneo Highway, outlining project statuses and highlighting proactive steps taken by JKR Sabah to accelerate progress.
“JKR and Sedco share common ground in terms of material supply such as steel and cement. I have long seen a potential to collaborate with Sedco and am glad we are finally initiating this dialogue session,” said Shamsul.
The discussion covered key construction delivery challenges, including supply sufficiency, skilled manpower availability, contractor capabilities and the adoption of modern engineering technologies.
It also emphasised how State GLCs like Sedco are uniquely positioned to step in where the private sector faces limitations, particularly in strategic investments that can reduce bottlenecks and improve project delivery outcomes.
Both parties explored exciting opportunities and ideas, including investing into engineering technologies from overseas and down-streaming manufacturing for faster, higher-quality construction to reduce government expenditure in the long run.
“I encourage the proposal of technologies that can deliver tangible benefits and cost savings to the Government. If such innovations are identified, they should be put forward for consideration.
“Ultimately, what matters most is ensuring that these efficiencies translate into value for the State and the people of Sabah,” Shamsul added.
James emphasised that infrastructure development is a critical enabler of economic progress.
“We must start exploring new technology, do feasibility studies and open ways to give priority for Sabahans to learn and handle our own infrastructure projects,” he said.
JKR Sabah welcomed Sedco’s initiatives and expressed strong interest in formalising future collaboration that would help accelerate development milestones and contribute meaningfully to Sabah’s economic transformation while focusing on upscaling our local talents through knowledge-transfer and learning.
