KOTA KINABALU: The Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) workshop for women entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals bodes well for Sabah’s AI future, said Datuk Seri Christina Liew, chairman of Shangri‑La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu.
Opening the workshop, held at Zara’s Boutique Hotel on Saturday under the theme “LEARN, LAUNCH, LEAD: Future‑Ready Women”, the former Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment said the event was timely.
“Artificial intelligence is no longer a technology of the distant future. It is already transforming how we work, communicate, operate businesses, serve customers and make decisions,” she said.
Liew added that technological advancement and digital transformation are priorities for Sabah, but progress requires more than policies and infrastructure.
“We must ensure our entrepreneurs, professionals and communities are equipped with the practical skills and confidence to benefit from these developments.”
She commended Datuk Eliza Goh, senior adviser for the Future‑Ready Women Initiative Sabah, and governance consultant Joey Goh for leading the initiative in collaboration with SEED (Sabah Social Entrepreneurs & Eco Development), founded by Datin Jeanette Tambakau.
“The direction is clear, and the time to act is now. Today’s workshop is an important step towards making artificial intelligence more practical, accessible and relevant to the people of Sabah,” Liew said.
She urged government agencies, educational institutions and industry partners to continue supporting Sabahans such as Joey, who are bringing valuable knowledge, networks and opportunities to the state.
Liew encouraged participants to explore the AI tools introduced at the workshop and to consider how they can help them work smarter, strengthen their businesses and prepare for the digital economy.
She expressed confidence that attendees would be able to work more effectively with these tools at their fingertips.
She also congratulated Joey Goh on representing Sabah and Malaysia in the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Professional Fellows Programme.
As the sole Sabahan selected for the 2025 Society and Governance track, 29‑year‑old Joey spent six weeks in the United States learning from government institutions, community leaders and professionals while building international networks.
“As someone who has spent many years in public service, I am especially pleased to see a talented young Sabahan returning home not only with new knowledge and experience but with a genuine desire to give back to her community,” Liew said.
Rather than treating the fellowship as a personal achievement, Joey secured a reciprocal project grant and brought her American counterpart, Philip Essington — Director of Business Information Services for Hennepin County, Minnesota — to Sabah so more locals could benefit.
“This is the kind of leadership we should encourage among our young people: leadership that goes beyond personal advancement to create opportunities for others and contribute to our state’s development,” Liew added.
“Sabah is proud of Joey’s achievements, and I hope stakeholders will continue to support young Sabahans who demonstrate this spirit of service and initiative.”
Welcoming Essington, Liew thanked him for travelling from Minnesota to share his experience and expertise with the local community.
“We are honoured you have chosen to contribute to this programme. I hope you will visit some of Sabah’s iconic tourist sites during your stay.”
Guests included Liu Chaoyue, secretary‑general of the Beijing Huairou UAV Industry Association (China); Li Wende, chairman of Zhongling Kejian (Beijing) International Technical Service Co. Ltd; SEED president Datuk Aminah Ambrose; and former permanent secretary to the Ministry of Youth and Sports Datuk Suzannah Liaw.-pr/BNN
