KOTA KINABALU: July 8, 2026 – Sabah’s creative economy agency has recognised 35 beneficiaries for their contributions to the state’s creative, innovation and social enterprise sectors, after generating more than RM3.37 million in ecosystem value through 31 initiatives in the first half of 2026.
The Sabah Creative Economy & Innovation Centre (SCENIC) said its programmes for the first and second quarters of this year benefited 938 recipients, involving 58 businesses, non-governmental organisations and entrepreneurs. The initiatives also created 112 direct and indirect job opportunities through funding, investment, business development support, market access and networking opportunities.
The recognition was presented at the SCENIC Impact Gathering 2026, officiated by Sabah’s Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Datuk James Ratib, at the Sabah International Convention Centre.
The event brought together approximately 100 participants, including government agency representatives, industry leaders, ecosystem partners, entrepreneurs, innovators, creative industry practitioners, community organisations and SCENIC beneficiaries.
The 35 recipients received support through four main funding facilities: SCENIC Enabler, SCENIC Creative, SCENIC Innovation Kickstart and the Social Procurement Initiative. These programmes were established to support creative and innovation projects, strengthen community initiatives, accelerate business growth and create new economic opportunities in Sabah.
In his speech, Ratib said SCENIC has played a crucial role in developing Sabah’s creative economy, innovation and technology ecosystem over its six years of operation through various talent and enterprise development programmes.
He said the state government remains committed to nurturing more talent, ideas and innovation capable of competing at national and global levels through human capital development based on knowledge, creativity and technology.
“The global economic landscape is increasingly dependent on creativity, innovation and technology, making the creative economy, or Orange Economy, a new growth driver capable of creating quality job opportunities, attracting investment and strengthening economic competitiveness,” he said.
“Sabah has enormous potential in the creative economy and innovation. With our rich cultural heritage, community diversity, youth creativity and rapidly advancing technology, I am confident that SCENIC’s efforts will continue to strengthen the development of the creative economy and innovation ecosystem in this state,” he added.
SCENIC Chief Executive Officer Mohd Lan said the organisation’s success should not be measured solely by the number of programmes implemented, but by the real impact on people, enterprises and communities.
“Each beneficiary represents a story of aspiration, determination and impact. Their achievements reflect the talent, creativity and enormous potential that the people of Sabah possess,” he said.
“SCENIC remains committed to providing pathways for innovators, creative industry practitioners, social enterprises and entrepreneurs to continue growing, because their success directly contributes to Sabah’s prosperity, competitiveness and future economy,” he added.
The programme also featured sharing sessions by Lawrence Chau from Einstronic Sdn Bhd on STEM innovation and technology development, Vellery Yong from Oupus Organics on organic-based enterprise and sustainability, and Mahathir Zulkifli Chong from Koperasi Bina Makmur Berhad on water generation technology and sustainable energy solutions.
To date, SCENIC has also helped 13 technology companies and Sabahan entrepreneurs expand opportunities beyond the state, while mentoring 182 social enterprises within its ecosystem.
SCENIC said collaboration with government, industry and ecosystem partners will continue to be strengthened to expand the development of creative economy, innovation and social enterprise, creating sustainable impact for Sabah.
