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Borneo Post
14-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
China content creator champions Sabah's cultural heritage as economic asset
Angelina Zhang KOTA KINABALU (July 14): Sabah boasts a rich and enduring cultural heritage, shaped by the languages, beliefs, craftsmanship, and life wisdom of over a hundred ethnic groups. This diversity not only highlights the state's inclusive cultural charm but also holds immense social value and economic potential. Angelina Zhang Miao, Council member of the Women Entrepreneurs Committee of the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah and a content creator from China who has been living in Sabah for many years, shared that she has been deeply touched by the diversity and authenticity of Sabah's cultural landscape. 'As a Chinese national who has lived in Sabah for a long time, I've come to deeply appreciate how this land treasures and preserves Chinese traditional culture,' she said. 'From temple fairs and festivals to calligraphy, lion dances, food, and language, the Chinese community in Sabah has retained their cultural roots with such completeness that even as a 'foreigner,' I feel a deep sense of familiarity and emotion.' Zhang expressed her gratitude to MCCC Sabah President Datuk Dexter Lau for the opportunity to become a Council member of WEC this year. To her, this is not only a shift in personal identity but also a symbol of the deepening and softening cultural and economic ties between China and Malaysia on a people-to-people level. 'I hope that through my dual identity, I can introduce Sabah — a land with breathtaking scenery and culture as its bridge — to the world in a gentle yet powerful way,' she said. 'Culture is Sabah's most heartfelt invitation to the world, and I'm committed to using my creative work to help write the next chapter of that story.' Her remarks came in response to recent statements by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who reiterated the state government's commitment to protecting Sabah's rich and unique cultural heritage. He emphasized continued support for ethnic organizations in preserving their customs, arts and cultural affairs — essential to building a more inclusive and confident Sabah. Beyond Chinese culture, Zhang has also immersed herself in learning about the traditions of Sabah's many indigenous groups. 'Sabah's native cultures are truly unique. They don't just live in museums or promotional videos — they are alive in people's daily lives,' she said, describing this 'living culture' as one of the state's most valuable intangible assets and a natural source of soft power. 'Culture isn't just a label — it's a form of warmth,' she said. 'Sabah's beauty goes beyond its mountains and seas. It's a fusion of human stories and emotional depth. If we can package our natural landscapes together with our cultural richness, we'll have a cultural identity that can shine on the global stage.' As a veteran in the new media industry, Zhang believes that cultural communication must evolve with the times. In her view, Sabah has unique potential to develop a model that integrates culture, content and tourism, but success hinges on using contemporary language and platforms to tell and share these local stories in an engaging way. 'I'm more than willing to use images, words, and social media to share Sabah's cultural charm, its scenic beauty, culinary delights, and human warmth with a wider Chinese and international audience,' she said. She noted that many local cultural groups, art workshops, and craft brands in Sabah are already leveraging e-commerce and digital platforms to transform traditional crafts into marketable and experiential products — the first steps toward true cultural monetization. 'Culture should not only be seen — it should be something that people can take part in, build businesses around, and co-create together,' she said. 'This approach will not only foster youth employment and cultural entrepreneurship but also help Sabah stand out in the international cultural tourism market — all without compromising its cultural integrity.'
Daily Express
20-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
More capable women in key roles needed: Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce Sabah
Published on: Friday, June 20, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jun 20, 2025 Text Size: Lam suggested creating women's business incubators and cross-border partnership networks, particularly to strengthen Malaysia-China women's business connections. More women should participate in policy consultations and high-level forums. Kota Kinabalu: Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce Sabah's Women Entrepreneurs Committee hopes Sabah will introduce gender-responsive policies, including dedicated financing for women entrepreneurs and more quotas for female political candidates. Its President, Lam Lee Chin, called for the civil service to establish structured promotion mechanisms for women officers while pushing for greater female representation in politics and governance. Advertisement 'For Sabah to become a more resilient and competitive regional hub, we need capable women leaders in political and high-level decision-making roles,' Lam said in statement, here, last Wednesday. Despite Sabah's natural resources and strategic location, women continue to face significant challenges in business and politics, according to Lam. 'Female entrepreneurs struggle to access funding and market opportunities, while inadequate childcare policies force many women to choose between family and career advancement. 'In politics, women remain underrepresented in the state assembly and local governments. Even in the civil service, where women perform well at grassroots levels, few reach senior positions like permanent secretary or ministerial roles. Gender bias and stereotypes persist, with lingering doubts about women's leadership abilities,' Lam said. Advertisement To address these issues, Lam proposed a comprehensive approach involving government, business chambers, and civil society. She urged authorities to introduce gender-responsive policies, including dedicated financing for women entrepreneurs and minimum quotas for female political candidates. The civil service should also establish structured promotion mechanisms for women officers. Lam suggested creating women's business incubators and cross-border partnership networks, particularly to strengthen Malaysia-China women's business connections. More women should participate in policy consultations and high-level forums. 'Companies should implement gender diversity quotas at board and executive levels, while educational institutions and media should actively promote gender equality to challenge traditional stereotypes,' she said. The call comes as Assistant Minister Datuk Flovia Ng recently encouraged more women to contest in upcoming state elections. Lam expressed strong support for this initiative, saying it could diversify leadership perspectives in Sabah. Lam also acknowledged the statement by Liberal Democratic Party Women's Leader Glenna Wong, who described women as naturally creative, resilient and socially perceptive leaders capable of driving social transformation. 'We sincerely hope to witness Sabah's first female Chief Minister or State Secretary – a historic milestone in our journey toward political reform and gender equality,' Lam said. Drawing inspiration from countries like Finland, Iceland, and New Zealand, where women excel in politics and contribute to national well-being, Lam believes Sabah should lead in gender-balanced governance. She suggested the State could establish Women-First Development Zones or Women Entrepreneur Innovation Parks as pilot projects for policy innovation. 'Creating a truly women-friendly Sabah goes beyond empowering women, it is about shaping a better future for all,' she said. The Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce Sabah Women Entrepreneurs Committee, led by Datuk Dexter Lau, has committed to serving as a bridge between local and international resources to accelerate women's advancement in business and politics. * 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
09-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Madius calls for stronger ASEAN-China energy ties to boost green future
Madius (centre) speaking on CHINA-ASEAN energy cooperation at the 2025 RCEP Member States Cooperation Dialogue. KOTA KINABALU (June 9): Sabah Electricity chairman Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau called for deeper ASEAN–China energy cooperation to build a green and interconnected energy future. Madius, who is also a former Deputy Chief Minister of Sabah, made the call while attending the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Industry Cooperation Conference in Hefei, Anhui, China on June 3 to 5 Madius was invited as a keynote speaker and forum guest by Sabah China Chamber of Commerce president Datuk Frankie Liew, and Tan Siew Ling, Vice President and Chairperson of the Women Entrepreneurs Committee. When speaking about regional energy cooperation, he noted that ASEAN is currently at a critical juncture in its energy transition, and it is essential to strike a balance between power reliability, affordability and sustainability. He emphasized that China, as a global leader in energy technology and industrial development, can play a positive role in ASEAN's green development through its support in technology, investment and expertise. 'To achieve these goals, regional cooperation is vital. Collaborating with global leaders like China and engaging in exchanges of technology, investment and knowledge will accelerate our development efforts,' said Madius. He specifically highlighted Malaysia's proactive development in solar photovoltaic (PV) energy and its close collaboration with ASEAN countries in renewable energy as a reflection of its commitment to a sustainable and integrated regional energy future. He also stressed that through strategic cooperation, technological innovation, band policy leadership, Malaysia is playing a key role in driving the region's energy transition. 'China's breakthroughs in photovoltaic module manufacturing are poised to play a crucial role in the global renewable energy transformation,' he added. Madius praised the organization of the conference and extended his congratulations on the establishment of the China–ASEAN Photovoltaic Industry Cooperation Committee and the China–ASEAN New Energy Vehicle Industry Cooperation Committee. He expressed hope that these two mechanisms would effectively promote deep cooperation in key green sectors such as photovoltaics and new energy vehicles within the region. During the meeting, Madius introduced Sabah Electricity to delegates from various countries. The company is 83% owned by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), 17% by the Sabah State Government, while Malaysia's Ministry of Finance holds a 1% 'golden share.' He noted that Sabah, located in East Malaysia, faces challenges in power grid infrastructure due to its unique geographical setting, but also holds great potential for driving green energy transformation. 'As the main utility company serving Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan, Sabah Electricity currently serves over 700,000 customers. Beyond its power supply mission, it is also committed to promoting energy diversification and improving efficiency to accelerate the shift towards a sustainable energy structure, contributing to Malaysia's national vision of carbon neutrality by 2050.' He concluded by wishing the conference great success and expressed his hopes to work hand in hand with all parties to usher in a new phase of regional energy cooperation.
