KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) must accelerate digital transformation, strengthen corporate governance and leverage business intelligence to remain competitive as the State positions itself as a regional investment and trade hub, Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam said.
He said SMEs play a vital role in Sabah’s economic development by creating jobs and improving livelihoods, urging local businesses to continue enhancing their competitiveness while expanding beyond domestic markets.
“As Sabah continues to strengthen its position as a regional investment and trade hub, our local enterprises must continue to enhance their competitiveness and expand beyond domestic markets,” he said when officiating at the Platinum Business Awards (PBA) 2026 Roadshow at the Hilton Kota Kinabalu, recently.
Dr Joachim, who is also the State Works and Utilities Minister, said the Sabah Government remains committed to creating a conducive business environment through continuous improvements in infrastructure, connectivity, investment facilitation, human capital development and entrepreneurship programmes under the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya development agenda.
He said today’s business landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancement, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, sustainability requirements and changing consumer expectations.
“To remain competitive, SMEs must continuously transform themselves,” he said.
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Describing this year’s PBA theme, “Governance • Digitalisation • Intelligence,” as highly relevant, Dr Joachim said strong governance strengthens business integrity and investor confidence, while digitalisation improves operational efficiency, productivity and customer experience.
He added that business intelligence enables entrepreneurs to make informed, data-driven decisions, stressing that the three pillars are no longer optional but essential for sustainable business growth.
Dr Joachim also welcomed the PBA Roadshow to Kota Kinabalu, congratulating the SME Association of Malaysia, led by its National President Dr Chin Chee Seon, together with SME Association of Sabah President Dr Deledda Tan Hui San and the organising committee headed by Datuk Wira Richard Lau Chi Chiang for bringing the prestigious national programme to Sabah.
He said the roadshow reflects a strong commitment to ensuring entrepreneurs across Malaysia, including those in Sabah, have equal access to business development opportunities, strategic networking and national recognition.
Dr Joachim highlighted the importance of SMEs to the national economy, noting that Malaysia has more than 1.08 million MSMEs, representing 96.1 per cent of all business establishments. They contribute RM652.4 billion, or 39.5 per cent, to the country’s gross domestic product and employ 8.1 million people, equivalent to 48.7 per cent of the national workforce.
He said the roadshow is more than an awards promotion, describing it as a valuable knowledge-sharing platform where entrepreneurs can engage directly with government agencies and industry experts.
Representatives from LHDN, Perkeso, Alliance Islamic Bank, U Business, CTOS Data Systems and the ESG Association of Malaysia shared practical knowledge on taxation, workforce development, financing, digital connectivity, credit management and ESG implementation.
“I encourage every entrepreneur to make full use of this opportunity. Ask questions, seek professional advice, explore available government support and build new business networks. Every meaningful conversation today could become the starting point of your next business breakthrough,” he said.
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