Kota Kinabalu: Sabah is well-positioned to become a regional leader in impact investing by leveraging its rich natural capital, cultural diversity and growing ecotourism sector to drive sustainable and inclusive development, said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin.
He said Sabah is uniquely placed to contribute to global discussions on sustainable development because of its extraordinary natural assets, including Mount Kinabalu, the world-renowned marine biodiversity of Sipadan, the ancient rainforests of Danum Valley and Maliau Basin, the Kinabatangan floodplain and Tun Mustapha Park.
“Protecting nature is therefore not simply an environmental responsibility; it is also a sound economic strategy.
“Today, travellers are increasingly seeking authentic, meaningful and environmentally responsible experiences. They want destinations that protect their natural environment, celebrate local cultures and create genuine benefits for local communities.
“Sabah is working very hard to meet all these expectations,” he said.
Jafry said Sabah’s cultural heritage is equally significant, with 33 main indigenous groups, more than 50 languages and at least 80 dialects.
The State’s archaeological history also dates back more than 200,000 years.
“There is a saying: to know Sabah is to love Sabah. Our natural beauty and cultural diversity are our identity and heritage.
“Sabah has always been open to trade and investment. Tourism is one of the most important sources of income for our people, and ecotourism is gaining momentum globally as people become more conscious of humanity’s relationship with nature and the future,” he said.
Speaking at the opening of the inaugural Sabah Asia-Pacific Impact Investing and Sustainable Development Summit 2026 at The Magellan Sutera Resort on Monday, Jafry said the two-day event provides a practical platform for generating ideas, building partnerships and attracting investments that can help shape a more sustainable future for Sabah, Malaysia and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
More than 300 participants representing over 170 organisations attended the summit, including investors, capital market leaders, philanthropic organisations, development agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), businesses, government agencies, academics, indigenous community representatives and young leaders from Malaysia and abroad.
Among the distinguished guests were Securities Commission Malaysia Chairman Datuk Mohammad Faiz Azmi, former Hong Kong Securities Chairman Eddy Fong, investors with existing interests in Sabah and representatives of Hong Kong’s capital markets.
Jafry said the summit had brought together stakeholders with a shared commitment to advancing economic growth, social progress and environmental stewardship.
He described impact investing as a rapidly maturing asset class capable of delivering measurable social and environmental outcomes alongside financial returns.
“We need a blend of philanthropic, impact and institutional investors, including pension funds, insurance companies and sovereign wealth funds, to combine their expertise, experience and capital to make a real difference in social, environmental and inclusive development.
“We believe Sabah, within the dynamic Asia-Pacific region, has tremendous potential to lead in carbon capture projects, forest restoration, biodiversity conservation, rural inclusive development, as well as alternative energy, food security and water initiatives,” he said.
Jafry said many community-based ecotourism ventures, indigenous cultural enterprises and conservation programmes across Sabah are already generating positive outcomes but require greater access to patient, long-term capital to realise their full potential.
He said his ministry and its agencies are ready to work with investors interested in ecotourism projects in collaboration with InvestSabah.
“First, to our investors and visitors from near and far, tell us what interests you and my colleagues will work with you to identify projects and programmes that match your aspirations.
“Second, to NGOs, research institutions, universities and conservation organisations, we need your expertise to advance knowledge and equip our communities and social entrepreneurs to protect Sabah’s forests, rivers, coral reefs, wildlife and biodiversity.
“Third, to all our guests from Malaysia and abroad, please take this opportunity to experience Sabah beyond this conference,” he said.
Jafry also acknowledged the contributions of the summit’s organising and supporting partners, including the George Town Institute of Open and Advanced Studies, Wawasan Open University, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Habitat Foundation, Community Empowerment Initiative Sabah (CEI Sabah), InvestSabah and media partner Daily Express.
He expressed hope that the summit would inspire new friendships, partnerships and investments that would continue long after the event.
“Please come back again and again to enjoy the richness of our nature, culture and, not least, our food.
“May the friendships made today mark the beginning of meaningful journeys together towards a sustainable, green and inclusive future,” he said.
