KOTA KINABALU: The inaugural Sabah SME Fest 2026, organised by the Department of Industrial Development and Research (DIDR), has become an important platform for empowering micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), a key driver of Sabah’s economic growth.
Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, Datuk Ewon Benedick, said the three-day festival, held as part of MSME Week, provided a conducive environment for business development, innovation, strategic networking and expanded market access for local entrepreneurs.
More than 60 exhibitor-entrepreneurs from various sectors took part in the festival, and organisers are targeting around 5,000 visitors over the event period.
“Sabah SME Fest 2026 is the first festival organised by DIDR and brings together entrepreneurs, government agencies, financial institutions, enterprise development bodies and the private sector on a single comprehensive platform.”
“It not only promotes MSME products and services, but also serves as a space for strategic networking, knowledge sharing and exploration of business opportunities that can directly benefit Sabah’s entrepreneurs,” he said.
He made the remarks at the official opening of Sabah SME Fest 2026 here today.
Ewon said the programme helps MSMEs boost competitiveness by exposing them to a range of support provided by the government and strategic partners, including entrepreneurship training, business digitisation, machinery and equipment assistance, certification and expanded market access.
The festival also offered entrepreneurs opportunities to promote their products and services to consumers, potential buyers, government agencies and industry partners.
“Strategic collaborations such as the Sabah DigitalUp Launchpad 2026 and the Sabah Digital Mall campaign on TikTok enable MSMEs to grow their markets through digital platforms and to penetrate wider national and regional markets,” he said.
He added that key challenges facing Sabah’s MSMEs include improving productivity, broadening market access and adapting to technological change and digitalisation.
Accordingly, the State Government remains committed to assisting entrepreneurs through a range of MSME development programmes, including SME‑UP assistance, entrepreneurship training and business digitalisation initiatives.
Ewon also said the government has introduced a RM1 million Special Entrepreneurship Development Fund and is expanding the implementation of the SME‑UP Assistance Programme 2026 to help MSMEs grow sustainably.
He noted that MINDET is collaborating with TikTok Shop Malaysia through the Sabah DigitalUp Launchpad 2026, which targets participation by 1,000 MSMEs, RM10 million in digital sales and RM1 million in investment in the form of grants, training and community support.
“We want to see more Sabah entrepreneurs grow from local brands into national and regional pride, and even break into international markets.”
“Through close cooperation between government, financial institutions, the private sector and technology providers, we can ensure entrepreneurs gain access to training, finance, digitalisation, marketing and networking opportunities needed to continue growing and competing,” he said.
Also present were Assistant Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Datuk Jonnybone J Kurum, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport (MINDET) Datuk Thomas Logijin and Director of the Department of Industrial Development and Research (DIDR) Siti Nur’Ain Abdullah.-pr/BNN
