Latest news with #SabahMajuJaya
Focus Malaysia
a day ago
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
Sabah's visionary leadership and Blue Economy earns top honour at IBR ASEAN Awards 2025
SABAH'S bold blueprint for sustainable development which is both anchored by its Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) plan and rapidly evolving Blue Economy has earned the state the top accolade at the recent International Business Review ASEAN Awards (IBRAA) 2025. Sabah was officially named Malaysia's Most Outstanding State for 2024, surpassing strong contenders in a rigorous evaluation process led by a panel of regional experts. The award recognised Sabah's remarkable transformation under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, particularly through the SMJ roadmap which has accelerated state-wide progress in infrastructure, industry, environment and inclusive governance. The award was received by Sabah's Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun who represented Hajiji at the ceremony. In Hajiji's speech read out by Masidi, he outlined Sabah's unique trajectory, one that merges economic ambition with environmental responsibility. 'There is more to the Blue Economy than just deep-sea harvesting. Sabah is actively exploring renewable ocean energy, blue carbon, tourism and marine biotechnology as part of a comprehensive strategy to harness our natural resources sustainably.' Sabah's Blue Economy strategy which includes the development of the Blue Economy Industrial Park in Kudat is projected to generate RM3.25 bil annually with an estimated marine harvest output of 491,000 tonnes of fish and prawns. The state is also pioneering Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion – a renewable energy initiative with the potential to generate up to 20,000MW of clean electricity – along its 500km coastline. These efforts reflect a state that is thinking long-term, balancing industrial growth, energy security and environmental stewardship. Sabah delivers across the board Under Hajiji's leadership, Sabah's transformation is driven by the SMJ vision which itself is a comprehensive strategy that has re-defined the state's development model since its launch in 2021. Since then, Sabah has approved RM17.41 bil in manufacturing investments across 73 companies, creating over 3,600 jobs with an additional RM42.3 bil in proposals in the pipeline which is expected to add nearly 33,000 more jobs. Sabah is also addressing critical infrastructure needs with the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Master Plan 2040 aiming to produce 700MW of power within two years while nearly RM680 mil has been allocated to resolve long-standing water supply issues. At the same time, the state is committed to protecting its environment: With 62% of Sabah remains under forest cover, efforts to expand its Totally Protected Areas are bringing it close to the 30% global biodiversity conservation target. 'Sabah's ability to simultaneously attract investment, protect its environment and deliver on public needs demonstrates a level of governance that sets it apart,' remarked IBRAA Adjudication Panel chairman Datuk Seri Azman Ujang. 'This award affirms the strength of the state's vision and leadership.' Honouring ASEAN's change-makers Also honoured at the gala was Negeri Sembilan which is named Malaysia's Most Progressive State for its long-term planning and high-impact policies. 'This recognition is more than just an award. It's a testament to our clean, united and progressive approach to governance,' shared Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun whose administration scored high on 20 criteria including tourism, investment attractiveness, industrial development and environmental performance. The award was received on behalf of the state by EXCO member Teo Kok Seong and State Economic Planning Unit director Dr Arwan Sabri. The IBR ASEAN Awards 2025 also spotlighted excellence beyond state borders, celebrating trailblazing organisations and institutions from Malaysia, Singapore and beyond: Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) was recognised for Corporate Excellence in Healthcare and Leadership in ESG innovation and becoming Malaysia's first hospital with a three-star EMGS rating. Clean Kinetics Pte Ltd of Singapore won Corporate Excellence in Renewable Energy for its solar megaprojects in Qatar and Dubai. of Singapore won Corporate Excellence in Renewable Energy for its solar megaprojects in Qatar and Dubai. Millenium Minerals Ltd received the Ethical Mining Award in recognition for its blockchain-enabled transparency in diamond extraction in West Africa. received the Ethical Mining Award in recognition for its blockchain-enabled transparency in diamond extraction in West Africa. Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd was named winner in Logistics for for having collaborated with DP World to elevate the Sepanggar Bay Container Port as a regional trade hub. was named winner in Logistics for for having collaborated with DP World to elevate the Sepanggar Bay Container Port as a regional trade hub. AiRTS Pte Ltd earned the AI Innovation Award for its GenAI Twin technology which creates digital 'clones' of workers to improve productivity in routine operations. Alpine Integrated Solution Sdn Bhd (AIS) received Corporate Excellence in Event Management for its role in delivering major defence and cybersecurity expos, including LIMA 2023, CYDES series and AISSE 2025. received Corporate Excellence in Event Management for its role in delivering major defence and cybersecurity expos, including LIMA 2023, CYDES series and AISSE 2025. Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) won the award for Corporate Excellence in Education for boosting Malaysia's global education profile by having processed almost 82,000 international student applications in 2024 alone. IBRAA: A platform for ASEAN leadership Held under the theme Re-imagining ASEAN in view of Malaysia's 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship, this year's IBRAA underscored the role of leadership, innovation and sustainability in shaping the region's future. 'IBRAA is not just about celebrating success. It's about setting the benchmark for ASEAN excellence,' enthused The IBR Asia Group's group managing director Datuk Beatrice Nirmala. 'Sabah's win is proof that when vision meets execution, anything is possible. The calibre of the winners shows us that the future of ASEAN leadership is already here.' With its integrated approach to development that connects ocean-based industries, industrial growth, renewable energy, conservation and community upliftment, Nirmala said Sabah now stood as a regional model of forward-thinking governance. As ASEAN continues to evolve, the winners of IBRAA 2025 serve as reminders that leadership today must be bold, holistic and deeply aligned with people. – July 30, 2025
Daily Express
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Kinabatangan new township project
Published on: Wednesday, July 30, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 30, 2025 Text Size: Artist impression of Bandar Seri Milian. KINABATANGAN: A new township project, Bandar Seri Milian, is set to reshape the local landscape through a modern, mixed-development plan that promises to boost rural growth and uplift the lives of residents. The high-impact project is a strategic collaboration between the Kinabatangan District Council and private developer Sunmow Construction Sdn Bhd, covering 157.48 acres in Pekan Kota Kinabatangan. The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for August 15, at 2pm, at the Open Terminal Square and will be officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. Lamag Community Development Leader, Johainizamshah Johari, said the project will be implemented in three phases over 15 years, with a Gross Development Value (GDV) of RM366 million. He said the entire cost will be fully borne by the developer with no financial burden or land collateral imposed on the local authority. Planned components include modern and affordable housing, basic infrastructure such as roads and utility supply, a new district council administrative complex, educational institutions, a community hall, recreational areas, and designated zones for business, commerce and light industry. 'This project goes beyond physical development, it reflects the government's commitment to bringing real progress to rural communities,' he said. He added that it aligns with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) blueprint, which prioritises balanced development and inclusive prosperity across the state. Johainizamshah expressed confidence in the developer's financial capacity and track record in large-scale projects, saying it would ensure smooth implementation. 'Bandar Seri Milian will serve as a new growth hub, which attracts investors, creating jobs and strengthening the local economy. It is a long-term investment in our future,' he said.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Joniston applauds formation of Tawau Tourism Working Group
Joniston greeting Tawau tourism players. TAWAU (July 29): Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai has commended tourism stakeholders here for taking the initiative to form a dedicated Tawau Tourism Working Group. Joniston, who also chairs the Sabah Tourism Board (STB), described such an initiative as a timely step towards driving more structured and impactful tourism efforts in the district. 'This shows there is energy and drive within the industry. A focused and functional working group will be a good platform to push new ideas, close gaps, and advocate for the kind of support that tourism in Tawau deserves,' he said during an engagement session with stakeholders here. Organised by STB, the engagement session gathered representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Immigration Department, Tawau airport, and key tourism players in Tawau. At the same time, Joniston emphasised that the involvement of local authorities is equally crucial, as their role complements grassroots tourism initiatives, especially efforts to develop rural areas and ensure alignment with district-level planning. He stressed local authorities and District Tourism Action Committees need to be in the thick of tourism-related development, given their responsibilities in local planning, development and socio-economic growth. 'Their participation is not just expected but necessary, as tourism is one of the key pillars under the Sabah Maju Jaya development agenda, and it cannot thrive without shared responsibility,' he said. Joniston reaffirmed that the Sabah Tourism Board remains committed to supporting grassroots initiatives to strengthen tourism development at the district level. Present were STB chief executive officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit, Sabah MOTAC director Ibrahim Othman, and Tourism Malaysia Sabah director Haryanty Abu Bakar, among others. During the engagement session, Julinus shared ongoing initiatives, key strategies and future directions in line with the Explore Sabah campaign.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Modern township set to transform Kinabatangan into East Coast growth hub
KOTA KINABALU (July 29): Kinabatangan is set to make history with the development of a modern township, Bandar Seri Milian, which is poised to become a catalyst for rural progress and economic upliftment in the region. This high-impact development is the result of a strategic collaboration between the Kinabatangan District Council and private developer SUNMOW Construction Sdn Bhd, encompassing a mixed development over 157.48 acres in Kota Kinabatangan town. The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for August 15 at 2pm, at Dataran Terminal Terbuka, Kota Kinabatangan, and will be officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor. Community Development Leader for Lamag, Johainizamshah Johari, said the Bandar Seri Milian project will be implemented in three phases over a 15-year period, with a Gross Development Value (GDV) of RM366 million. Significantly, he noted that the project is fully funded by the developer, with no financial burden or land collateral required from the local authority. Key components of the project include modern and affordable housing, essential infrastructure such as roads, water and electricity supply, a new administrative centre for the Kinabatangan District Council, educational institutions, a community hall, recreational areas, and designated business, commercial, and light industrial zones. Johainizamshah emphasised that Bandar Seri Milian is not just a physical transformation but a symbol of the government's commitment to holistic development in rural areas. 'Under Hajiji's leadership, the state government is determined to ensure the people of Kinabatangan enjoy access to modern amenities, economic opportunities, and an improved quality of life,' he said in a statement on Tuesday. The project aligns with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development blueprint, which promotes balanced development between urban and rural areas and aims to ensure inclusive prosperity. He also expressed confidence in the developer's track record in delivering large-scale, self-financed projects, adding that it would ensure smooth execution. 'This is an investment for the future. Bandar Seri Milian will emerge as a new growth hub, attracting investors, creating jobs, and stimulating the local entrepreneurship ecosystem. 'The development is expected to generate lasting socioeconomic benefits for Kinabatangan and elevate the district into a key growth centre on Sabah's East Coast,' he said.
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Both stability and growth apparent under GRS: Duo
Published on: Monday, July 28, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jul 28, 2025 Text Size: Kadir and TC Goh. Kota Kinabalu: Two prominent business leaders lauded the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah-PH government under Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor for maintaining political stability and driving inclusive economic development in the State. Chief Executive Officer of Kumpulan BTC Berhad Datuk Abdul Kadir M.E. Sikkandar, said the current administration has created a conducive environment for business growth and investor confidence. He highlighted the government's commitment to transparency, inclusiveness and people-centric development, stating that Sabah today stands on a strong foundation. 'With continued leadership under Hajiji I am confident Sabah will scale even greater heights. 'Political uncertainty continues to challenge other parts of the country, but Sabah has emerged as a model of calm, unity and steady progress,' he said. Abdul Kadir said Kumpulan BTC Berhad, a homegrown company, has grown significantly under the current administration and now employs over 800 Sabahans across various sectors. He attributed the expansion to the state's stable political climate and pro-business policies under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan. 'The SMJ Plan has reenergised key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, infrastructure and renewable energy. 'While also opening up opportunities for local and Bumiputera entrepreneurs to thrive,' he said. Abdul Kadir who is also the Deputy President of the Dewan Usahawan Melayu Sabah observed a renewed sense of optimism among local entrepreneurs, especially younger Sabahans exploring opportunities in business, agriculture and innovation within the State. Meanwhile, prominent businessman Tan Sri TC Goh said the GRS government's economic stewardship has yielded remarkable results. 'The result exceeded expectations and solidifying its position as a capable administrator,' said the Sabah Advisory Council (SEAC) member. 'The Government's success is underscored by a dramatic increase in state revenue: nearly RM7 billion annually for 2022, 2023, and 2024 – a significant leap from RM3.5 billion in 2020,' Goh said. This growth, Goh said, mirrored a robust rise in Sabah's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), climbing from RM83.2 billion in 2023 to RM84.3 billion in 2024, coupled with a substantial increase in state reserves to RM8.6 billion. He said these figures demonstrate a healthy and thriving economy, directly attributable to the GRS government's effective management. 'This economic growth translates into higher income and employment rates, ultimately improving the standard of living for Sabahans…Furthermore, the stability fostered by the GRS government has boosted investor confidence, creating a positive feedback loop for continued economic expansion.' * 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
