KOTA KINABALU: June 30, 2026 – Thirty-eight trade unions in Sabah have been awarded RM310,000 in grants under the 2026 Trade Union Affairs Programme (PHEKS) to strengthen organisational development, leadership and member skills – in line with the state government’s focus on developing local human capital.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Haji Noor said human capital development remains the core priority in ensuring Sabahans are equipped to fill high-quality job opportunities generated by new investments and the growth of strategic sectors.
He stressed that Sabah’s progress should not be measured solely by physical development, investment value or economic growth, but must translate into better job opportunities, dignified incomes and improved wellbeing for the people.
“Sabah’s economic development must be supported by a skilled, productive and competitive workforce,” he said in a speech delivered by Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick at the PHEKS 2026 grant presentation ceremony at the Magellan Sutera Hotel on Monday.
Hajiji said the PHEKS grants align with the government’s efforts to strengthen human capital through skills training, reskilling, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to meet industry demands.
“Our goal is to build a prosperous, competitive and inclusive Sabah. We want to see more Sabahan children becoming engineers, technologists, skilled technicians, data scientists, artificial intelligence (AI) specialists and industry leaders capable of competing on the global stage,” he said.
Hajiji also reminded that the world of work is undergoing a major transformation driven by digital technology, automation and AI, requiring the workforce to acquire new skills to remain relevant.
He also emphasised the role of trade unions as strategic partners of the government in championing workers’ welfare and fostering harmonious industrial relations through a tripartite approach involving the government, employers and workers – aimed at boosting productivity, investor confidence and sustainable economic growth.
Behind every development success in Sabah, he said, lies the energy and sacrifices of millions of workers across various sectors who are the driving force of the state’s economy. The government will therefore continue to prioritise local talent development in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 development roadmap.
The 2026 PHEKS grants will be used for programmes focused on governance strengthening, leadership development and skills enhancement for trade union members.
