Kota Kinabalu: Sabah is well-positioned to become a regional leader in impact investing by leveraging its natural assets, cultural diversity and growing ecotourism sector to drive sustainable and inclusive development, said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin (
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He said Sabah’s natural attractions, including Mount Kinabalu, Sipadan, Danum Valley, Maliau Basin, the Kinabatangan floodplain and Tun Mustapha Park, together with its rich cultural heritage, make the State well placed to contribute to sustainable development while meeting growing demand for environmentally responsible tourism.
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Speaking at the opening of the inaugural Sabah Asia-Pacific Impact Investing and Sustainable Development Summit 2026 here on Monday, Jafry said the two-day event brings together more than 300 participants from over 170 organisations to strengthen partnerships and investments that support economic growth, social progress and environmental stewardship.
He said impact investing is an increasingly important asset class capable of delivering measurable social and environmental outcomes alongside financial returns, adding that Sabah has significant potential in carbon capture, forest restoration, biodiversity conservation, rural development, alternative energy, food and water projects.
Jafry said many community-based ecotourism ventures, indigenous cultural enterprises and conservation programmes require greater access to long-term capital, while inviting investors, researchers and conservation organisations to collaborate with the State, and expressing hope the summit would generate lasting partnerships and investment opportunities.
