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Sabah to boost creative sector as new economic driver
Published on: Wed, Jul 23, 2025 Text Size: Nizam and Fahmi with the fund recipients and others. - Pic by CMD KOTA KINABALU: The State Government is committed to strengthening Sabah's creative industry as a new economic driver and a platform to share Borneo's cultural narratives nationally and abroad. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan focuses on building a digital and knowledge-based economy, including creative content. He noted that efforts are underway to upgrade creative facilities and support training centres and content incubators in Keningau, Sandakan, and here in collaboration with federal agencies such as the National Film Development Corporation (Finas). Speaking at the Creative Content Fund (DKK) acceptance letter handover ceremony on Tuesday, Hajiji said the fund plays a vital role in helping local creators produce Sabah-identity content that highlights folklore, history, and indigenous languages. His speech was delivered by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan, here. Hajiji said the DKK provides opportunities for Sabahans to tell their stories through films, documentaries, and television programmes, making use of the state's rich cultural diversity and natural beauty. He also praised young Sabahan talents for gaining recognition through platforms such as the Sabah Film Lab, Mini Film Fest, and Kota Kinabalu International Film Festival, and encouraged more youth, especially from rural areas, to explore creative storytelling. Also present was Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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