By: Nurul Fazliana Norman
KOTA KINABALU: August 14, 2026 – The Sabah International Expo (SIE) 2026, scheduled to take place from September 2 to 6, is set to serve as a pivotal platform for Sabah to explore new markets and business opportunities, featuring participation from 15 countries and targeting 30,000 visitors.
MICCI Sabah Branch Chairperson, Datuk Susan Chang, said the organisation of SIE 2026 provides an opportunity for local small-scale entrepreneurs to introduce their products to international visitors and participants.
She noted that SIE 2026 will offer 300 large booths in addition to over 20 small kiosks specifically designated for local small-scale entrepreneurs.
“This approach allows not only large industry players but also local small entrepreneurs to have space to introduce their products to visitors and international participants,” she said.
She was speaking to the media after a courtesy call on the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sabah, Tun Musa Aman, at Istana Seri Kinabalu yesterday.
According to Susan, SIE 2026 will also feature a new element through the BIMP-EAGA Halal Conference.
Additionally, the Sabah International Business Luncheon Talk (SIBLT) will be held, featuring Sunway Founder and Chairman, Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah, as the keynote speaker.
She said 15 countries will participate in the Sabah International Expo from September 4 to 6, including Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, Finland, Thailand, China, Poland, Australia and India.
“We hope SIE can help Sabah tap into larger markets, especially given Sabah’s strategic position within BIMP-EAGA,” she said.
She added that government support is crucial to establishing SIE as a platform to promote Sabah as a gateway to global market opportunities, particularly through BIMP-EAGA cooperation.
SIE is jointly organised by the Sabah State Government through the Ministry of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship (MINDET), MICCI, and the Federation of Sabah Industries (FSI).
Also present were MICCI Vice Chairperson, Matthew Loh Shin Kiet, and Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Dr. Rosmawati Lasuki.
Source: JAPEN
