KOTA KINABALU: June 20, 2026 – A new initiative aims to put Sabah’s local products in front of millions of Malaysian consumers through TikTok’s live shopping platform, with a target of RM10 million in digital sales.
The Sabah DigitalUp Launchpad 2026, unveiled at the Sabah SME Fest 2026 today, is a strategic partnership between the state’s Ministry of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport (MINDET) and TikTok Shop Malaysia.
Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick, who also heads the ministry, said the programme aims to train 1,000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the state over 90 days, with initial phases already underway in Tawau and Sandakan.
“Through this collaboration, TikTok Shop Malaysia is targeting RM10 million in digital sales value for Sabah products this year,” he told reporters after the launch.
The initiative will roll out in selected districts including Tawau, Sandakan, Kudat, Ranau, Keningau and Kota Belud.
TikTok Shop Malaysia has invested RM1 million in the programme, covering training, digital grants and marketing support.
Successful participants who meet their sales targets will receive digital support packages worth up to RM10,000 each, with 30 top-performing entrepreneurs set to benefit.
The packages include promotion vouchers, live host support, collaboration with affiliate creators, digital advertising credits and other empowerment initiatives over six months.
Five high-potential Sabah industry brands will receive additional support worth up to RM15,000 each in paid advertising, promotion vouchers and marketing collaborations.
The programme has already provided structured training to more than 100 local entrepreneurs in Tawau and Sandakan, focusing on products derived from the state’s marine resources and cultural heritage – including dried shrimp, anchovy sambal, fish crackers and other value-added items.
“Sabah is rich with cultural heritage, handicrafts, blue economy products and an entrepreneurial spirit that defines this state’s identity,” Mr Ewon said.
Participants will be able to promote their products through the TikTok Sabah Digital Mall channel.
The state government remains committed to prioritising local product development, Mr Ewon said, aligning with the “Sabah First” agenda.
“This programme is not just about empowering businesses, but also elevating Sabah’s culture and local products to a wider market,” he said.
He expressed confidence the initiative would accelerate digital transformation among Sabah entrepreneurs, providing access to broader markets and increasing community income, particularly in the blue economy sector.
“I want to see more Sabah entrepreneurs not just resilient, but competitive and able to expand their businesses to national and international levels,” he said.
The ministry plans to continue strengthening the digital entrepreneurship ecosystem through strategic collaborations with various platforms, agencies and technology providers to ensure Sabah entrepreneurs keep pace with global changes.
