Kota Kinabalu: Sabah small and medium enterprises (SMEs) companies have been encouraged to build on their strong record at the Platinum Business Awards (PBA) by accelerating digital transformation, strengthening corporate governance and embracing sustainable business practices to remain competitive in an increasingly challenging global economy.
SME Association of Malaysia National President Dr Chin Chee Seon said SMEs in the country are facing growing economic uncertainties, including the possibility of higher United States tariffs on Malaysian exports, making closer collaboration between businesses, government agencies and industry partners more important than ever.
“We cannot just continue with our day-to-day businesses. We need to work together as a team to overcome these challenges and build stronger enterprises,” he said when speaking at the PBA 2026 Roadshow at Hilton Hotel here Friday.
Dr Chin said technology, including artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G-enabled digital solutions, is rapidly reshaping industries, making business transformation no longer optional but essential.
He said companies must also meet increasing expectations from customers and investors for stronger governance and sustainability practices, adding that this year’s PBA focuses on governance, digitisation and business intelligence.
“The trophy is only a symbol of achievement. The real reward is the journey towards excellence and continuous improvement,” he said.
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Dr Chin encouraged Sabah companies that have demonstrated resilience, innovation, leadership and sustainability to participate in the PBA 2026, with the awards presentation scheduled for Nov 19 in Kuala Lumpur.
He said Sabah has produced many PBA recipients over the years and described the Kota Kinabalu roadshow as the largest and most energetic among all the nationwide stops so far, reflecting the strong entrepreneurial spirit in the state.
Meanwhile, SME Association of Sabah President Dr Deledda Tan Hui San said Sabah enterprises have consistently distinguished themselves at the national level, winning 11 awards through 10 companies at the PBA 2023, followed by 10 awards won by nine Sabah companies in 2025.
“These outstanding achievements clearly demonstrate that Sabah enterprises are fully capable of competing and excelling on the national stage,” she said.
She expressed hope that even more Sabah businesses would participate this year and bring greater pride to the State.
Dr Tan stressed that PBA is more than an awards programme, describing it as a credible recognition of genuine business excellence based on a strict and transparent evaluation by an independent panel.
She said participating companies are assessed on audited financial performance, business sustainability, corporate governance, operational excellence, business strategy, leadership and overall business background.
“Every award earned reflects genuine business excellence, credibility and consistent performance. It is a recognition that must be deserved through merit, dedication and sound business practices,” she said.
She added that SMEs remain the backbone of Malaysia’s economy, accounting for more than 97 per cent of all business establishments while contributing significantly to employment, innovation and national development.
Dr Tan said the PBA 2026 Roadshow also serves as a platform for knowledge sharing, networking and collaboration, with participants gaining insights into digital transformation, ESG adoption, talent development, financing opportunities and business growth strategies.
Dr Chin said the association decided to bring the PBA roadshow directly to entrepreneurs nationwide instead of expecting them to travel to Kuala Lumpur.
The programme began in Penang before continuing to Ipoh, Kuching, Melaka and Kota Kinabalu, with upcoming stops in Kota Bharu, Johor Bahru, Kuantan and Shah Alam.
He also said the association hopes to attract more investors to Sabah but noted that high industrial land costs remain a concern, expressing hope that more competitively priced industrial land would be made available.
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