KOTA KINABALU, SABAH Februari 7, 2026 – Deputy Chief Minister III cum Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, Datuk Ewon Benedick, has called on more companies in Sabah to enhance their adherence to international standards.
He emphasized that this step is crucial to enable local products and services to penetrate international markets and compete effectively on the global stage.
According to data from the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) in Singapore, as of December 2025, only 261 companies from Sabah were registered out of a total of 12,742 Malaysian enterprises listed with MATRADE.
“This indicates the need for us to redouble our efforts to ensure more local companies develop products and services that meet the requirements and standards of international markets,” he said.
“One of the major focuses of my ministry is to develop standards and quality for local Sabah entrepreneurs’ products and services.
“By complying with international standards such as Halal certification, MESTI, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, local companies will be better prepared to enter overseas markets,” Ewon stated.
He made these remarks to reporters after officiating the Sabah Industrial Excellence Awards (AKIS) ceremony here yesterday.
Ewon added that his ministry will continue supporting local entrepreneurs and companies through appropriate policies and initiatives, including providing necessary assistance to bring products and services to international markets.
“In terms of packaging, we will strive to develop this aspect as it is very important for taking local entrepreneurs’ products to international markets. This is part of my major focus starting with the recognition at tonight’s event,” he said.
From his observations, there is a significant difference in product packaging before and after receiving guidance from the ministry.
“Feedback from program participants shows that their sales have increased after improving product packaging, as it becomes more attractive and meets consumer requirements.
“Packaging plays a major role in influencing consumer decisions. Therefore, this element will continue to be one of the ongoing programs by the ministry so that Sabah entrepreneurs continue to benefit,” he explained.
Ewon noted that the guidance programs implemented also aim to raise entrepreneurs’ awareness of obtaining important certifications such as Halal and ESG, which are key components for penetrating international markets.
“This is a major factor influencing consumer confidence abroad, while also helping entrepreneurs increase awareness to acquire the necessary certifications,” he said.
In line with the Sabah First vision, scaling up small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is one of his primary focuses at the ministry, starting with enhancing production capacity and capability, as well as empowering the quality and standards of products and services.
“I want to see more companies from Sabah, including startups, developed and able to produce products or services that meet international market standards, including the Singapore market,” he added.
Regarding the AKIS, Ewon expressed hope that the recognition would serve as a catalyst for award recipients and other companies to continue moving forward, maintain excellent performance, strengthen innovation, and become industry leaders capable of competing globally.
“May this award become an inspiration to achieve higher performance towards realizing the aspiration of Sabah as an industrial state by 2040,” he concluded.
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