KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Creative Associations Federation (KREATIF SABAH) held a meeting with Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Mustapha Sakmud to discuss job opportunities and new income sources for Sabah youth in the creative industry.
The hour-long meeting took place at the Sepanggar Parliamentary Constituency (P.171) Liaison Office in Suria Inanam, here.
KREATIF SABAH chairman Chester Pang said the meeting aimed to build a two-way communication bridge between the arts community and the government.
“Our main goal is to build a two-way communication bridge between the arts and creative community and the government. Through this platform, the voice, views, suggestions and needs of the industry can be conveyed in a more organised manner. Government policies, initiatives and plans can in turn be translated to the community so they can be understood and benefited from together,” he said in a statement.
Mustapha, who is also the Sepanggar MP, expressed support for the unification effort. He stressed the importance of expanding job opportunities and income sources, particularly for youths across Sabah.
Chester said these views were in line with KREATIF SABAH’s aspirations. He said the arts and creative industry was not merely a field for producing works, entertainment or cultural activities. It was also an economic sector capable of creating job opportunities, producing entrepreneurs and generating new income sources.
He also welcomed Mustapha’s views on the potential development of Sabah’s creative industry in 2027. This follows the creation of the Creative Economy portfolio under the state Ministry of Youth Development, Sports Progress and Creative Economy by the Sabah State Government.
During the visit, Chester presented KREATIF SABAH’s background, objectives, federation structure, activities and achievements throughout 2026. He also shared programme plans and initiatives for 2027.
Key focus areas highlighted included efforts to strengthen the network of member associations, capacity building and professionalism of industry players, provision of economic opportunities, expansion of cooperation networks and development of creative hubs in several areas in Sabah.
Chester said the development of Sabah’s creative industry required integrated support from both the state and federal governments through related agencies.
Agencies involved include the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS), Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), MyCreative Ventures and Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM). Such support was important in the aspects of content development, financing, training, technology, publication and market access.
“We believe that Sabah has talent, creativity, cultural diversity and its own uniqueness that can be highlighted as economic strength. What is needed now is a more organised ecosystem, more open opportunities and strategic cooperation between the government, industry, educational institutions and the creative community,” he said.
Also present to witness the handover of the seven-point proposal memorandum was the KREATIF SABAH delegation line-up representing various arts backgrounds in the state.
