Latest news with #StateIndustrialDevelopmentandEntrepreneurship
Daily Express
27-07-2025
- 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
Daily Express
23-07-2025
- 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
10-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah seeks law reforms to boost industrial investment
Published on: Thursday, July 10, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jul 10, 2025 By: Crystal E Hermenegildus Text Size: Phoong said a comprehensive plan involving both tax and non-tax incentives was being drawn up to position Sabah as a more attractive and competitive investment destination. Kota Kinabalu: The State Government is currently engaging with its federal counterparts to review and reform key legislation related to industrial development and investment incentives, said State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe. He said the review was necessary as some existing laws and policies may no longer be relevant in today's rapidly evolving global investment landscape. 'We are negotiating with the Federal Government to re-evaluate several Acts, including those concerning industrial development and trade incentives. 'The global investment ecosystem has changed significantly, and some of the current legislation may be outdated or no longer applicable,' he told the State Assembly, on Tuesday. Phoong was responding to Moyog Assemblyman Datuk Darell Leiking during the question-and-answer session, who had asked about the minimum infrastructure standards required by investors, whether Sabah could meet those expectations, and if state sales tax revenue could be utilised to overcome infrastructure shortcomings. Darell also queried the timeframe the ministry could commit to in upgrading infrastructure to match investor needs once a major project is approved. In reply, Phoong said the aim of the ongoing legislative review was to ensure that less developed states such as Sabah receive stronger focus and incentives to close the development gap with more advanced states. 'As a matter of principle, states that are less advanced in the manufacturing sector should be given priority and stronger incentives. 'We want to ensure that all states in Malaysia can develop in a fair and balanced manner,' he said. Phoong said a comprehensive plan involving both tax and non-tax incentives was being drawn up to position Sabah as a more attractive and competitive investment destination. 'YB Moyog is well aware of this matter. These negotiations are ongoing and involve a wide scope of reform,' he added. Phoong also said the ministry was being cautious with regard to investments that have high infrastructure demands such as data centres, which require large amounts of electricity and water. He said a well-planned approach was necessary to avoid overstressing Sabah's infrastructure. This was in response to Darel's question on why Sabah could not develop data centres like Sarawak, pointing out Sabah's abundant water supply and its strategic location to serve markets such as the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand. Phoong said the proposed reforms were part of a broader long-term strategy to ensure Sabah keeps pace with national and regional economic development. * 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
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Heated exchange in Sabah Assembly over investment project questions
KOTA KINABALU (July 7): A heated exchange erupted during today's State Assembly question-and-answer session, sparked by a dispute over the ethics of raising questions about a major investment project in the state. The incident began when State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship (MIDE) Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe was responding to an additional question from Senallang assemblyman Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal regarding the progress of Esteel Sabah Sdn Bhd's project. During his response, Phoong took a moment to express frustration over Elopura assemblyman Calvin Chong Ket Kiun, whom he accused of raising numerous concerns about the project outside the assembly but never within it. He noted with regret that Chong had even lodged a police report regarding the project's alleged delays, yet refrained from bringing the same concerns into the assembly's formal proceedings. 'I have repeatedly prompted you to ask any questions regarding the project in our State Assembly sittings, but you never did,' Phoong said, while thanking Kapayan assemblywoman Datuk Jannie Lasimbang for being the one to raise the issue officially. Calling the politicisation of the investment project disappointing, Phoong said the matter concerned Sabah's investment image and should not be treated lightly. Chong stood up and asked Phoong whether he spoke Hakka before expressing confusion in the dialect over what the minister was saying, claiming he had prepared questions on the matter. At this point, State Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim M Yahya called for calm, but tensions continued to rise. Phoong stood by his claim, stating that Chong had never submitted any verbal or written questions on the Esteel Sabah project in the assembly. Puzzlingly, Chong agreed, saying, 'I fully support that.' Sri Tanjong assemblyman Justin Wong Yung Bin then came to Chong's defense, questioning what was wrong with an elected representative asking questions on behalf of the rakyat. The Speaker again attempted to defuse the situation, but Phoong continued to explain before being interrupted by Chong, who told him: 'You just answer the question. There is no need to query me on why I ask questions outside.' Kadzim called for order once more, asking Chong to sit down. Shafie then suggested allowing an additional question to calm things down, but the Speaker declined and moved to the next item. Before the exchange could settle, an unidentified assemblyperson quipped, 'He doesn't dare to ask questions here,' referring to Chong. Chong stood again to defend himself, insisting he was not afraid. 'I know you are brave, so just sit down,' the Speaker replied, prompting Chong to finally comply. Later in the session, Chong was scheduled to pose an unrelated question to the State Community Development and People's Wellbeing Ministry. Before proceeding, the Speaker asked, 'Is your heart still heated?' 'Still. It is still,' Chong replied, prompting the Speaker to remind him to remain focused on the intended question before continuing the session.
The Star
04-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sabah aims for 100% local oil and gas roles
KOTA KINABALU: A 100% increase in oil and gas services and equipment (OGSE) contracts has been set aside for Sabahan companies this year, says Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. The Sabah Chief Minister said the target set by the state government in collaboration with PETRONAS and industry partners has one clear objective, which is to have 100% of non-technical roles and at least 80% of technical roles in the OGSE sector to be filled by Sabahans. 'These targets reflect our firm commitment to strengthening local participation and building a resilient, homegrown energy ecosystem,' he said at the 12th Sabah Oil, Gas and Energy Conference and Exhibition at the Sabah International Convention Centre here yesterday. State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe delivered Hajiji's speech. He said in 2021, the total contracts awarded to Sabahan companies for local oil and gas services jobs stood at RM341mil, but by the end of last year, the figure soared to over RM2bil for jobs awarded both in and outside Sabah. He said Sabah's oil and gas industry is an essential pillar of the state's economic growth, and continues to play a pivotal role for Malaysia, contributing nearly 40% of the country's oil production and about 20% of its gas output. Hajiji, however, believes that Sabah's role must extend beyond mere production. 'We aspire for Sabah to become a centre of excellence for OGSE innovation and sustainable energy practices and a hub where investment, talent and technology converge to create long-term value,' he said. Hajiji also said the state government, through SMJ Energy, has taken decisive steps in securing equity in key upstream and downstream assets, including the Samarang PSC and the Samur petrochemical plant, as well as interests in exploration blocks SB403, SB409, SB306A and SB306B. He said Sabah Energy Corporation has also strengthened its position as Malaysia's largest domestic supplier and transporter of natural gas, following its successful takeover of PETRONAS' onshore gas contracts here. 'I wish to take this opportunity to thank PETRONAS and all our operating partners in Sabah for your continuous efforts, commitment and investment in local content development,' he said.
