By: Nurul Fazliana Norman
KOTA KINABALU: Nov 2, 2026 – BIGSABAH Sale 2026 drew to a close after running for three days at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) yesterday, with emphasis on strengthening business networks, entrepreneurial development and expanding regional trade opportunities.
Carrying the theme Across Markets, Beyond Borders, the event from 30 October to 1 November gathered more than 300 exhibitors across over 600 booths, with participation from businesses and representatives from nine countries.
Chairman of the BIGSABAH Sale 2026 Organising Committee, Datuk Dr Hajah Rosmawati Haji Lasuki said this year’s edition not only served as a sales platform for consumers, but also placed greater emphasis on business engagement, entrepreneurial development and regional market opportunities.
“BIGSABAH Sale continues to be an important platform for the consumer market, but we are now placing greater emphasis on business engagement, entrepreneurial development and regional market opportunities,” she said.
Among the key components was the Trade Connect programme, which brought together 60 traders and opened up opportunities for collaboration with the local business community.
The programme also produced two potential commercial collaborations, including an effort by Ruru Mushrooms from the Philippines to identify potential distributors in Sabah through Ayuhous Sdn Bhd.
Both parties are now in planning to formalise the collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Greentech Feed Co Ltd from Thailand was also linked with the Sabah agricultural community to explore market opportunities for its bird feed products with local operators.
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Jafry Ariffin, in a speech delivered by Sabah Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS) Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai, stressed the importance of strengthening entrepreneurship, enhancing business competitiveness and expanding market access as part of efforts to spur the state’s economic development.
He also encouraged local enterprises, including those in rural areas, to continue innovating, leveraging technology and improving the quality of products and services to remain competitive in the face of market changes.
The Sabah State Government also provided various support initiatives to entrepreneurs through the Sabah Budget 2026, including an allocation of RM5 million for the State Entrepreneurship Programme, RM16.86 million to facilitate participation in domestic and international expos, and RM15 million for the SME-UP Assistance Programme.
This year’s event also featured an Agro Forum, an AI Business Scale-Up Bootcamp and professional development workshops to strengthen entrepreneurs’ knowledge and capabilities.
BIGSABAH Sale 2026 also aims to grow as a recognised trade and consumer platform in the East ASEAN region, with emphasis on regional participation, business matching and market expansion.
The event also supports preparations ahead of Visit Sabah Year 2027 through efforts to connect the tourism, trade and local entrepreneurship sectors.
-TV Sabah
