KOTA KINABALU, SABAH, MALAYSIA December 8. 2025 – Deputy Chief Minister III cum Sabah Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transportation, Datuk Ewon Benedick, said that strategic cooperation with industry players is one of the main foundations in realizing the Sabah First vision being driven by his ministry.
He said the Sabah First policy will serve as the basis for developing three main ecosystems, namely investment, business, and entrepreneurship, in addition to strengthening the standards and quality of products and services for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
He noted that the FSI, which brings together more than 200 companies from various sectors including food and beverages, building materials, oil and gas, logistics, furniture, and textiles, has proven to be an important backbone for the Sabah industrial community over the past four decades.
“I am delighted to foster a spirit of togetherness and cooperation in developing Sabah’s potential in line with the Sabah First vision that I want to realize in this ministry.
“Good relationships and cooperation with stakeholders, especially industry players like FSI, are the foundation for the success of the Sabah First vision,” he said.
He made these remarks in his speech at the 42nd anniversary celebration and swearing-in ceremony for the new leadership of the Federation of Sabah Industries (FSI), here, yesterday.
Ewon said that starting January 2026, his ministry will hold a series of engagement sessions with FSI and other industry organizations to discuss the investment, business, and entrepreneurship ecosystems, thereby strengthening the support framework for the state’s industrial efforts.
At the same time, he said that in December this year, he is focusing on official visits to departments, agencies, and government-linked companies under his portfolio before entering the engagement phase with industry players.
Ewon also emphasized that the transportation portfolio, now integrated into his ministry, is a strategic step to strengthen the state’s connectivity through road networks, ports, airports, and multimodal systems to support industrial growth and smooth logistics.
Regarding the event, he expressed appreciation to FSI for its continued commitment to supporting Sabah’s industrial growth, while encouraging industry players to continue enhancing their capabilities to seize opportunities in the increasingly evolving investment landscape.
“I invite all industry players at this roundtable visit tonight to jointly develop Sabah First, a better Sabah. I greatly appreciate the support and cooperation given to realize this vision,” he said.
He also extended congratulations to the new FSI leadership lineup and hoped that the close cooperation between the government and industry will continue to be strengthened for a more competitive state economic future.
