By: Nurul Fazliana Norman
KOTA KINABALU: Oct 31, 2026 — The Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) was abuzz with visitors from all walks of life attending BIGSABAH Sale 2026, which runs from 30 October to 1 November, with a target of more than 100,000 visitors over the three-day event.
More than 600 exhibition booths filled the SICC, involving businesses and representatives from nine countries, thereby expanding trade opportunities and regional business networks.
For small entrepreneurs from rural areas, the presence of buyers and distributors from within and outside the country opens new avenues for their products to penetrate a wider market — a hope clearly reflected on the faces of traders busy serving visitors since morning.
The official launch ceremony of BIGSABAH Sale 2026 was officiated by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor today.
Themed “Across Markets, Beyond Borders,” this year’s organisation places emphasis on business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) activities. It also serves as a platform connecting entrepreneurs with potential buyers, distributors, retailers and strategic partners from Sabah, across Malaysia and regional markets.
In his inaugural address, delivered by Senior Private Secretary to the Sabah Chief Minister Ceasar Mandela Malakun, Hajiji stressed the importance of strengthening small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly through the use of digital technology, e-commerce and innovation to boost productivity and broaden market access.
“Small and medium enterprises must continue to be empowered through the use of digital technology, e-commerce and innovation to increase productivity and broaden market access,” he said.
He said entrepreneurship development and investment remain key components of the Sabah Maju Jaya development agenda.
Meanwhile, BIGSABAH Sale 2026 Organising Chairman Datuk Dr Hajah Rosmawati Haji Lasuki said this year’s organisation was a step to expand the event beyond a conventional exhibition and sales platform.
She said the organisers aimed to create a more comprehensive platform combining consumer appeal with business engagement and entrepreneurship development opportunities.
“BIGSABAH Sale 2026 is not merely a sales platform for consumers, but also provides opportunities for business engagement and entrepreneurship development,” she said.
Among the main highlights are the Big Bad Wolf Book Fair, AI Business Scale-Up Bootcamp, CULT – Car Culture Festival 2026 fifth edition, Agro Forum and Trade Connect 2026, fashion shows, professional development workshops, e-sports competitions and BIGSABAH Voice.
The event also supports the growth of Sabah’s tourism sector, which recorded approximately 3.79 million visitor arrivals in 2025, an increase of 20.8 per cent compared with the previous year. As of August 2026, Sabah recorded 2,556,823 visitor arrivals, up 4.1 per cent compared with the same period last year.
BIGSABAH Sale 2026 runs until 1 November at SICC, Kota Kinabalu, with free admission.
