KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s Ministry of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport (MINDET) has entered a strategic partnership with TikTok Shop Malaysia to roll out the Sabah DigitalUp Launchpad 2026, an initiative targeting the participation of 1,000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Sabah.
Deputy Chief Minister III and MINDET minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said the new MINDET initiative will help expand Sabah products’ market reach nationally via TikTok Live.
“Through this partnership, TikTok Shop Malaysia is targeting RM10 million in digital sales for Sabah products this year by running a 90-day programme across selected districts: Tawau, Sandakan, Kudat, Ranau, Keningau and Kota Belud.”
“The programme is supported by a RM1 million investment from TikTok Shop Malaysia in the form of training, digital grants and marketing support to help local entrepreneurs strengthen their presence in the digital commerce ecosystem,” he said.
He made the remarks after launching Sabah SME Fest 2026 here today.
Ewon said, as an incentive for high-performing participants, the top 30 entrepreneurs who complete the sales missions on TikTok Shop will receive digital support packages worth up to RM10,000 each.
He said the packages will include various forms of assistance such as promotional vouchers, live-host support, collaboration with affiliate content creators, digital advertising credits and other empowerment initiatives for a period of six months.
In addition, five high-potential Sabah industry brands will receive extra support worth up to RM15,000 per company in the form of paid advertising, promotional vouchers, marketing support and collaborations with affiliate creators to expand their market reach.
“So far, the series held in Tawau and Sandakan have been successfully implemented, providing structured training to more than 100 local entrepreneurs producing a range of products based on marine produce and local heritage such as geragau prawns, anchovy sambal, keropok lekor and various other value‑added products,” he said.
Ewon added that through the initiative participants not only receive guidance in marketing and digital trade, but are also given the opportunity to promote their products via the TikTok Sabah Digital Mall channel, thereby widening market access and enhancing the competitiveness of Sabah products nationally.
“Sabah is rich in cultural heritage, crafts, blue‑economy resources and an entrepreneurial spirit that define the state.”
“Therefore, I warmly welcome the cooperation between MINDET and TikTok Shop Malaysia through the Sabah DigitalUp Launchpad 2026, which not only targets 1,000 MSMEs and RM10 million in digital sales, but also brings RM1 million in investment in the form of grants, training and community support for Sabah entrepreneurs,” he said.
Ewon said the programme not only empowers businesses but also elevates Sabah’s local culture and products to a broader market.
“The State Government is committed to supporting efforts like this so that more Sabah entrepreneurs can grow from local brands into nationally and regionally recognised names.”
“I am confident this effort will accelerate the digital transformation of Sabah entrepreneurs, open access to wider markets and increase local community incomes, especially in the blue‑economy sector and among MSMEs.”
“To that end, my ministry will continue to strengthen the digital entrepreneurship ecosystem through strategic collaboration with various platforms, agencies and technology providers to ensure Sabah entrepreneurs are not left behind by global change.”
“I want to see more Sabah entrepreneurs not only resilient, but also competitive and capable of expanding their businesses to the national and international levels,” he said.
He added that in line with the Sabah First agenda, the Government will continue to prioritise the development of local products so they remain consumers’ preferred choice and competitive in broader markets.
At the same time, this approach will create greater economic spillover for related sectors including supply chains, logistics, support services, downstream industries and employment opportunities, thereby benefiting MSMEs and stimulating the state’s overall economic growth.-pr/BNN
