KIMANIS: The Sabah Agro-Industrial Precinct (SAIP) took centre stage yesterday as industry leaders, government agencies, investors, and entrepreneurs gathered for the highly anticipated SAIP Biz-Connect Day, an event aimed at unlocking Sabah’s economic potential through collaboration, innovation, and agro-based industrial growth.
In his address during the meaningful event, SEDCO Group General Manager Ar. Datuk James Wong, highlighted it as one of the state’s flagship developments in advancing the agro-industrial economy.
“It has always been the State Government’s vision to tap into the immense potential of Sabah’s agro-industry,” he said.
“SAIP represents a bold and strategic step in transforming that vision into reality.”
With SEDCO’s recent acquisition and leadership of SAIP Sdn Bhd, Wong outlined a clear mission: to make SAIP a catalyst for agro-based industrial development, job creation, and entrepreneurship in Sabah.
“Today, I am proud to say that SAIP is no longer just a concept on paper. It is a growing, functioning industrial ecosystem,” he said, citing the diversity of tenants already in operation, from food processing to herbal and biomedical manufacturing.
Importantly, these developments are creating tangible impact, especially for local communities in Kimanis and surrounding areas through new employment and business opportunities.
At the heart of SAIP Biz-Connect Day lies a simple but powerful message: progress happens when we connect.
Wong emphasized the need for synergy between government agencies, private sector players, and research institutions, warning against the pitfalls of working in silos.
“If we want to unlock Sabah’s true economic potential, we must start by understanding what the market demands,” he said.
“From there, we can reverse-engineer the supply chain and infrastructure to support it.”
The event serves as a platform to open dialogue, align policies with business realities, and foster joint initiatives that can deliver long-term economic value to the state.
SAIP is uniquely designed to support the entire agro-industrial value chain, particularly benefiting startups and small to medium enterprises (SMEs). Among its key features:
ISO, HACCP, and GMP-ready facilities for food and product manufacturing; Industrial-grade units with Halal-compliant infrastructure; Shared equipment and cold storage, reducing capital costs for tenants; Business incubation spaces for product testing, production, and scaling and Support services including R&D, product certification, and export readiness.
“For many SMEs, these are game-changing advantages.”
“Instead of chasing compliance or investing millions upfront, they can focus on innovation and growth.”
One of the standout stories shared during the event was that of Sanomedical Asiapac Sdn Bhd (Sanomed), a biotech and healthcare manufacturer that began its journey within SAIP.
Leveraging the park’s ready infrastructure, Sanomed was able to fast-track product development and market entry—securing buyers in Indonesia, setting up local supply chains, and reaching profitability in just six months.
“This is the kind of success story we want to replicate across Sabah,” Wong said.
“We want to build champions that scale beyond our borders.”
SAIP is now open to further investment, offering ready-to-lease industrial units and development lots, all strategically located near ports, highways, and logistics hubs.
Potential investors, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs were invited to tour the facility and explore how they can be part of the SAIP ecosystem.
Wong was also candid in setting expectations:
“SAIP is not a place for handouts. This is a serious industrial park built on serious investment. We’re looking for real partners who understand that financial sustainability is key for both the park and its tenants.”
Wong urged attendees to view SAIP Biz-Connect Day as a starting point for deeper collaboration and greater ambition.
“The facilities are here. The infrastructure is ready. The opportunities are waiting. Let’s work together to build something truly transformational for Sabah.”
