Latest news with #Phoong
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
SugarBun turns 46 with new outlet
Published on: Sunday, July 27, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jul 27, 2025 By: Jimmy Goh Text Size: Joseph, Phoong, Dalton and Cathy at the launching ceremony. Kota Kinabalu: Malaysian homegrown fastfood chain SugarBun recently celebrated a milestone with the grand opening of its new SugarBun Express outlet at Lintas Jaya. This reflects the brand's 46th year in business and introducing an innovative new concept designed for modern consumers. The launching, attended by State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe and industry stakeholders, shows the company's evolution from a humble ice cream parlour in 1979 to one of Malaysia's most recognisable food brands, now operating 96 outlets worldwide. 'SugarBun's food is among my favourite. I have fond memories of my father taking me as a young boy to the SugarBun outlet in Centre Point Shopping Mall. I remember that the outlet was located on the ground floor at that time,' said Phoong, sharing his personal connection to the homegrown brand. 'I am happy to see that an outlet has been opened in Lintas Jaya. We must continue to support local brands like SugarBun that have grown from our own soil and represent the authentic taste of our State,' he added. Meanwhile, Borneo Oil Berhad Managing Director cum SB Supplies & Logistics Sdn Bhd Director Datuk Joseph Ambrose Lee said the outlet at Lintas Jaya holds special significance as it marks SugarBun's 46th year in business. 'From our humble beginnings as an ice cream parlour in 1979, to becoming one of Malaysia's most recognisable homegrown brands, SugarBun has continually evolved with the times while remaining true to its roots, the authentic flavours of Borneo,' said Joseph who is also SugarBun franchisor. The SugarBun Express concept is a strategic shift toward accessibility and convenience, offering a streamlined, compact model that serves as an entry point for aspiring entrepreneurs. Located opposite the 24-hour Emart Supermarket, the Lintas Jaya outlet focuses on speed, value and convenience, catering to today's on-the-go consumers with signature offerings including Pezzo Pizza by the Slice and SugarBun's legendary Broasted Chicken with Savoury Rice. 'This streamlined concept is designed to bring our iconic food to high-traffic urban areas while offering an accessible entry point for aspiring entrepreneurs,' said Joseph. The expansion comes as SugarBun continues its aggressive growth strategy across Malaysia and beyond. The brand currently operates 85 outlets in Malaysia, with 60 in Sarawak, 18 in Sabah and seven in West Malaysia, 10 outlets in Brunei and one in Bangladesh. Following the Lintas Jaya opening, SugarBun Express has also launched at V21 Residence at KKIP on July 18. The company has announced plans for additional Express outlets in prime locations including Jalan Pantai in Kota Kinabalu town area, EG Mall in Inanam, Jade Residence in Bintulu, Bandar Permy Jaya in Miri and Petronas Sri Aman Junction near Kuching. 'Each new location reflects our commitment to bringing the SugarBun brand closer to communities across Malaysia, offering fast, affordable and high-quality meals where people live, shop, and work,' Joseph said. The brand has also expanded its menu offerings with the nationwide introduction of Kolo Mee, Sarawak's beloved noodle dish, positioning it as a quick, affordable and filling option that aligns perfectly with the Express model's efficiency requirements. In a move toward product diversification, SugarBun has entered the fast-moving consumer goods segment with Sabacco, a line of bottled hot sauces including the signature Momporok Chili. The products feature chilis sourced from local farmers in Kunak, Sabah, supporting sustainable farming practices while empowering rural communities. 'Sabacco is more than just a condiment, it is our way of sharing the authentic heat and flavor of homegrown chilis, while giving back to the communities that grow our ingredients,' Joseph said. The grand opening was attended by key figures including Dalton Ku, the franchisee of SugarBun Express Lintas Jaya and Cathy Ting, Regional Manager and Deputy General Manager of SB Supplies & Logistics Sdn Bhd, who have been instrumental in the outlet's successful launch. Despite facing challenges including economic slowdowns, rising costs, the pandemic and changing customer preferences, SugarBun has maintained its commitment to quality, innovation and community engagement throughout its four-decade journey. 'Though the journey has had its challenges, our commitment to quality, innovation and community has remained unchanged,' Joseph said. 'Let's continue this journey together with pride, passion and a shared love for food, bringing the flavours of Borneo to our families, friends and all of Malaysia,' he added. * 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. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
7 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Guizhou hopes to enhance cooperation with Sabah
Phoong (center, front row) with the Guizhou Provincial Government delegation and SCCC representatives. KOTA KINABALU (July 23): A delegation from the Guizhou Provincial Foreign Affairs Office visited Sabah and expressed a desire to establish a friendly provincial-state relationship between Guizhou and Sabah. This proposal received positive responses from Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew and Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe. Both sides look forward to greater cooperation and exchanges in areas such as economy, culture, trade, tourism and people-to-people relations, to promote bilateral economic collaboration. Arranged by the Sabah China Chamber of Commerce (SCCC), the Guizhou delegation on Tuesday paid courtesy visits to Christina and Phoong. Deputy Director-General of the Guizhou Provincial Foreign Affairs Office, Liu Baochang, conveyed to both ministers Guizhou's hopes to deepen and broaden cooperation in economic, cultural and tourism fields. He also presented Guizhou's strengths and characteristics, including the province's six major industrial bases – new energy power batteries and materials R&D and production, computing power infrastructure and liquor production, among others – highlighting the integration of scientific innovation and industrial development. In the realm of technology, Guizhou is home to data centers for Apple and Huawei. It also hosts the globally renowned 'Sky Eye' (the 500-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope). Guizhou is advancing its new energy industry with developments in trucks, cars and batteries. In traditional sectors, it is the home of Moutai liquor and has over seven million acres of tea plantations. The province has also made significant achievements in ecological and tourism development. Liu revealed that the Guizhou government is encouraging enterprises to expand cooperation with Central Asia, South Asia and Southeast Asia. Thus, this visit was specifically intended to explore collaborative opportunities and promote the establishment of a friendly provincial-state relationship. He also expressed hope that the two ministers could visit Guizhou in the near future for firsthand experience and to further advance the friendly ties. Christina Liew (first right) having a discussion with Liu Baochang and Frankie Liew. During the meeting, Christina welcomed the Guizhou delegation and expressed her hope for deeper exchanges, particularly in eco-tourism and the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program. 'We appreciate the visit from the Guizhou delegation, which gives us the opportunity to learn more about another beautiful province in China. We also hope there will be more collaborative opportunities in the future,' said the minister, who looks forward to formalizing the establishment of friendly ties. Christina introduced Sabah's tourism advantages, including its natural beauty and abundant resources. She emphasized the state government's commitment to preserving the natural forests and wildlife. Most major tourist sites in Sabah remain largely untouched and natural. She also revealed that the Sabah government is planning to build a 65-acre cultural center in Kinarut to allow the state's 35 indigenous ethnic groups to construct their own iconic structures, preserving and showcasing their unique cultural heritage and enriching Sabah's tourism offerings. During his meeting with the Guizhou delegation, Phoong emphasized that Sabah is moving beyond traditional industries and toward a path of industrialization and diversification, aiming for a leapfrogging development model to spur economic growth. He highlighted the concept of 'No Wealth Without Industry' and underscored the importance of industrialization for Sabah's economic future. The state government is actively enhancing infrastructure. All Sabah-related packages under the Pan Borneo Highway are expected to commence this year. Upgrading works at Kota Kinabalu International Airport will begin within the next one–two months, and Tawau Airport will begin its enhancement project next month. He also shared that Sepangar Port will undergo upgrades that will double its container handling capacity from 500,000 to 1.2 million TEUs annually upon completion. In terms of electricity supply, the state government plans to increase capacity by 700 MW by 2030, including the construction of Malaysia's first wind power plant. 'Sabah is transforming through new technologies!' said Phoong. He also extended an invitation to the Guizhou delegation and enterprises to participate in the Second Sabah-China Expo on November 21–23 this year. Datuk Frankie Liew, president of the Sabah China Chamber of Commerce (SCCC), noted that the Guizhou delegation is a high-level team comprising leaders from several important agencies including the Foreign Affairs Office, Department of Commerce, Federation of Industry and Commerce, and municipal governments. He believes this visit will foster pragmatic cooperation and help identify future opportunities. 'Combining the resources and strengths of Guizhou and Sabah, I'm confident we can enhance economic growth on both sides,' said Frankie. He remarked that although Guizhou and Sabah are geographically located in different regions of China and Malaysia, they both enjoy rich natural resources, diverse cultural heritages, and robust tourism assets. He hopes both sides can explore more platforms and opportunities for cooperation in promotion, ecological protection and cultural exchanges. 'In the future, we hope to deepen cooperation in cultural and creative industries, environmental technologies, and jointly promote green development to build a better tomorrow,' added Frankie. Also present at the meeting were SCCC Deputy President Brett Chua, Vice Presidents Ir. Ts. KJ Tan, JP, Datuk Jonathan Koh, JP, Chiew Heng Hock and Tan Siew Ling, and CEO of Invest Sabah, Dr Firdausi Suffian.
Daily Express
7 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah set to be a top HBI producer
Published on: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 23, 2025 By: David Thien Text Size: Phoong (left) receives a V Creator memento from George. DONGGONGON: The state can leapfrog traditional development paths by embracing cutting-edge technologies - particularly in green innovation and Artificial Intelligence. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, Sabah attracted RM10.9 billion in approved investments, which is one of the highest in Malaysia. The manufacturing sector was the largest contributor, accounting for RM7.3 billion of that figure. Sabah has to grow its manufacturing sector to make the state prosperous. 'This is proof that investor confidence in Sabah is strong. It is also a clear signal that our policies, infrastructure upgrades, and human capital development are bearing fruit.' State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe stressed this at the opening of the V Creator 2025 two-day entrepreneur camp at the Sabah Credit Corporation event hall, recently. He said Sabah is being positioned to be an important Hot Briquetted Iron producer and exporter to the world. 'One example I am particularly excited about is microalgae technology. It may sound small, but its potential is massive. 'Through strategic adoption of microalgae innovations, Sabah can venture into the development of biomass industries, including biofuels, bioplastics, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). 'This aligns perfectly with our green agenda. This is not just about environmental sustainability; it is about economic opportunity. It's about new markets, new skills, and new jobs, which are created here in Sabah, by Sabahans. 'With these economic opportunities, we can see huge economic growth. Growth like what we are seeing this year in our first quarter of investments into Sabah,' Phoong said. Phoong exhorted the participants to think bigger in their aspirations and plans to grow and expand their business market beyond the state. 'This year, I want to challenge our entrepreneurs to think even bigger. This is the 7th year that this competition is being organized and it has been a constantly improving event; getting better and better each year. 'Our focus in the Ministry remains steadfast: to build an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive, where local products can compete globally, and where innovative ideas can flourish from seed to scale. 'We are on the brink of a new chapter for Sabah; a chapter that is defined by sustainability, digital transformation, and youth-driven innovation. 'As you embark on this two-day journey of learning, networking, and pitching, I encourage every one of you to challenge convention, embrace innovation, and create with purpose.' Phoong commended Dato George Lim, Founder and President of Sabah Entrepreneurs Transformation (SET) which organised the event that has become a key platform for cultivating Sabah's next generation of innovators and leaders. 'George has been a tireless advocate for the entrepreneur ecosystem, constantly pushing boundaries and encouraging our local entrepreneurs to level up.' In his speech, George urged participants to focus on what AI can't replace: 'People relationships, communication, trust, and execution', even though AI tools and its prompting skills are widely used for advantage.' He said under the Sabah Entrepreneurship Transformation (SET) initiative, 'we've stayed true to our mission: to create 100 entrepreneurs every year.' 'Today, we have empowered over 1,000 entrepreneurs and touched more than 100,000 lives across our business communities. But in this fast-changing world, building a business is no longer enough. He elaborated on the three 'Critical Skills for Future Entrepreneurs that includes empathetic leadership. 'Lead with care. Understand your customers. Solve meaningful problems. Purpose-driven businesses win lasting loyalty. The future rewards those who adapt fast. Start now - don't wait. 'SET is more than a programme - it's a movement. We've developed four key pillars to accelerate entrepreneurship: The 2-Day Business Camp – for ideation, strategy, and pitch readiness The Pitching Competition & Awards – with RM50,000 in funding for the Top 5 The Monthly Leadership Mentoring – to build long-term capacity A powerful ecosystem – linking entrepreneurs to funding, mentorship, and markets. * 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. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
11-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Phoong sees chance for Sabah to get ahead through new microalgae tech
Published on: Friday, July 11, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 11, 2025 By: Wu Vui Tek Text Size: Phoong (centre) with both Dr Yaakub (right) and Tham (left) showing their signed documents as other guests look on. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah can leap ahead by embracing technology and innovation to produce microalgae, said Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe. 'Microalgae can be used to develop the biomass industry and produce sustainable energy, which aligns with Sabah's green agenda,' said Phoong. 'We've been informed that under this initiative, we can develop biofuel, bioplastic, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). 'All these have strong creative economic potential for Sabah,' said Phoong after witnessing a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony between Sabah Agro-Industrial Precinct (SAIP) Sdn Bhd and CCE Power Holdings Sdn Bhd at a hotel. SAIP was represented by Chairman of University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF) and Board of Director Datuk Dr Mohd Yaakub Johari, while Chief Executive Officer and Founder Tham Weng Kong signed for CCE Power, which is based in Negeri Sembilan with partnering companies from Japan. Phoong said SAIP, which was established 17 years ago, must focus on applying innovation and technology to further propel Sabah's industrialisation. Although Sarawak is developing its algae cultivation industry, they are using a photosynthesis-type system compared to the system to be used by Sabah, which will use the heterotrophic system, he said. 'Sabah will be using the heterotrophic technology which doesn't need sunlight to grow these microalgae,' he said. 'I see this as a very good opportunity for Sabah to get involved in developing new high-value manufacturing activities in Sabah. 'So that our young people can get high-skilled jobs and benefit from technology transfer. 'Imagine if we succeed in building a microalgae manufacturing hub in Sabah, many job opportunities will be created,' he said. Tham said the heterotrophic technology is a closed system with a shorter cycle, as only five to seven days are needed to harvest, with a yield volume of 60 per cent. 'We will start with 100 hectares first, just like Sarawak did, before expanding to 1,000 hectares. They did it with their Japanese partners. 'Although our development mechanism differs, the goal is the same. If successful, we can scale up to commercial levels.' The algae cultivation initiative to be carried out by CCE Power is the first private project in SAIP, Kimanis. * 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. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
New Straits Times
10-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sabah microalgae MoU marks significant step towards green economy
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is taking a step towards a green economy by growing microalgae to produce biofuel, bioplastics and other sustainable products. Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe said the initiative could help create new industries, attract investment and generate high-skilled jobs in the state. "Microalgae has strong economic potential. It can support the biomass industry and be used to produce green energy, which fits well with Sabah's focus on sustainability," he said after witnessing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between Sabah Agro-Industrial Precinct (SAIP) Sdn Bhd and CCE Power Holdings Sdn Bhd here today. SAIP was represented by its board director Datuk Dr Mohd Yaakub Johari, who is also University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF) chairman, whereas CCE Power founder and chief executive officer Tham Weng Kong signed on behalf of the company, which is based in Negri Sembilan and working with partner companies from Japan. The MOU signified the beginning of a powerful collaboration to produce microalgae biomass as feedstock for the largest biomass power plant in the world. Phoong, who is also SAIP's chairman, said his company was established 17 years ago to drive innovation. He said Sabah could potentially be positioned as one of the most prominent algae industry hubs in the country. He said Sabah must be ambitious in pursuing innovative solutions and actively seek new ideas to address the state's current challenges. "We must use innovation, use technology to leapfrog Sabah's development, and bring in new technology and high-skilled manufacturing activities so that our young people can find skilled jobs, and technology transfer can take place. "Imagine if we successfully build a microalgae and biomass manufacturing hub in Sabah, many job opportunities could be created," he said. Phoong said although neighbouring Sarawak was developing its own algae cultivation industry, they were using a photosynthesis-based system, which was different from the method that would be used in Sabah. "Sabah will be using heterotrophic technology, which doesn't require sunlight to grow microalgae," he said, adding that this presented a very good opportunity to develop new high-value manufacturing industries. Phoong added that although the development mechanisms differed, the goal remained the same. "We will start with 100 hectares first, just like Sarawak did, before expanding to 1,000 hectares. They did it with their Japanese partners." Tham of CCE Power explained that heterotrophic technology is a closed-tank system with a shorter production cycle, requiring only five to seven days to harvest, with a yield of nearly 60 per cent. "This will help develop Sabah and support its progress towards commercialisation and prove that it can benefit both the economy and environment," he said.
