Business

MINDET Strengthens Regional Partnerships with ASSEAN JCI, NGOs to Boost Sabah’s Investment Appeal — Ewon

KOTA KINABALU, March 28, 2026 — Sabah’s Ministry of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport (MINDET) will continue strengthening collaboration with regional organisations such as the Association of JCI Senator in The South East Asian Nations and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to promote Sabah as a competitive investment destination.

Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III and MINDET Minister Ewon Benedick said strategic cooperation between the state government and organisations like Junior Chamber International (JCI) plays a crucial role in driving economic growth, trade and business development in the state.

“The state government, through MINDET, remains committed to supporting the development of entrepreneurs and young leaders, including JCI members, through various initiatives such as access to financing, entrepreneurship training, capacity-building programmes and strategic networking with industry players and investors,” he said.

He was speaking while officiating the ASSEAN 1st Board of Directors Meeting & Installation 2026 held at a leading hotel here on Friday night.

Ewon added that the ministry will continue expanding market access, including helping local entrepreneurs penetrate international markets, while strengthening logistics systems and supply chains to support business growth in Sabah.

“MINDET will intensify efforts to promote Sabah as a destination for investment, industry and commerce,” he said.

He stressed that close collaboration between the government and NGOs can nurture capable leaders and competitive entrepreneurs who contribute to economic development and community well-being.

“This collaboration not only strengthens organisational ties but also opens up more investment opportunities and business networks that benefit Sabah,” he added.

Ewon also expressed appreciation to delegates from ASEAN countries for their participation, describing their commitment as a reflection of strong leadership and dedication within the organisation.

He congratulated Patricia Poh on her appointment as the first female JCI Senator President from Sabah, and also extended appreciation to former president Theodore Garcia for his leadership.

Ewon said he hopes the programme will strengthen ties, enhance friendships and boost cooperation among JCI members at the regional level.

He also welcomed all delegates to Sabah and encouraged them to explore the state’s investment potential and business opportunities.

–Minutes MY / Ramani

Related News

Malaysia to Issue Diplomatic Note Rejecting Renewed Sabah Claim

TEHRAN: Iran continues to maintain its stance of fully controlling ship movements in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes, only allowing ships deemed “non-hostile” to transit as long as they coordinate with Tehran authorities. This was stated in an official letter from Iran to member states of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). In the letter, Iran stressed that foreign ships can pass through the Strait of Hormuz provided they comply with announced safety regulations and are not involved in any form of support for aggressive actions against the country. Iran added that ships linked to the United States, Israel or parties involved in the current conflict are not eligible for passage. Ship tracking data in recent days shows that Iran has allowed a small number of ships to transit through its territorial waters, including ships from China, India and Pakistan. This route is often used to allow Iranian authorities to verify the identity and purpose of ships before they are allowed to pass, according to maritime analysts. Due to the risk of attacks and tensions in the narrow waters near Oman, many commercial ships are now changing their routes to routes closer to the Iranian coast, including the area around Larak Island. The move gives Iran a monitoring advantage as well as strengthening its control over maritime traffic in the strategic route. The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz peaked after the US-Israeli attack on Iran on February 28, causing shipping traffic to almost come to a standstill and affecting global oil supplies. The Strait of Hormuz previously handled around one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. With rising shipping costs and global oil prices, Iran is now trying to balance its economic interests while maintaining pressure on its perceived enemies. Free navigation access in the Strait of Hormuz is also one of the main points in the 15-point peace plan developed by the United States and sent to Iran via Pakistan. But so far, there is no sign that Tehran is willing to give up its strategic advantage without comprehensive security guarantees. Iran has said it will not relax control over the maritime route as long as the conflict continues, with several government sources insisting that pressure on the enemy will continue until there is a full ceasefire.

Seven Malaysian Tankers Await Safe Passage Through Strait Of Hormuz – Mohamad

PN to Treat MIC’s Silence as Rejection of Membership Offer

KUALA LUMPUR, March 27 — Pandan Member of Parliament Rafizi Ramli has identified the individual referred to as “Mr R” in statements by businessman Victor Chin, alleging that the person is lawyer Sandraruben Neelamagham, also known as Ruben. Rafizi claimed that Ruben holds roles as a NexG corporate advisor and director of Solid HighTech, and is believed to act as an intermediary between a group described as a “corporate mafia” and key stakeholders in matters involving pressure on shareholders. According to Rafizi, communications between Victor Chin and Ruben suggest that “Mr R” operates on behalf of a more influential figure, often referencing a “boss” in their exchanges. He further linked the alleged “boss” to Farhash Wafa Salvador, a former political secretary to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Rafizi questioned whether the alleged influence of these individuals extended to directing authorities to exert pressure on NexG shareholders, and whether such connections played a role in securing a government contract worth billions of ringgit for NexG. “I have fulfilled my promise to reveal who Mr R is,” Rafizi said in a social media post, adding that the matter now warrants an explanation from the Prime Minister regarding the allegations raised.

Rafizi Claims ‘Mr R’, Raises Questions Over Alleged Corporate Influence

Latest News

Malaysia to Issue Diplomatic Note Rejecting Renewed Sabah Claim

TEHRAN: Iran continues to maintain its stance of fully controlling ship movements in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes, only allowing ships deemed “non-hostile” to transit as long as they coordinate with Tehran authorities. This was stated in an official letter from Iran to member states of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). In the letter, Iran stressed that foreign ships can pass through the Strait of Hormuz provided they comply with announced safety regulations and are not involved in any form of support for aggressive actions against the country. Iran added that ships linked to the United States, Israel or parties involved in the current conflict are not eligible for passage. Ship tracking data in recent days shows that Iran has allowed a small number of ships to transit through its territorial waters, including ships from China, India and Pakistan. This route is often used to allow Iranian authorities to verify the identity and purpose of ships before they are allowed to pass, according to maritime analysts. Due to the risk of attacks and tensions in the narrow waters near Oman, many commercial ships are now changing their routes to routes closer to the Iranian coast, including the area around Larak Island. The move gives Iran a monitoring advantage as well as strengthening its control over maritime traffic in the strategic route. The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz peaked after the US-Israeli attack on Iran on February 28, causing shipping traffic to almost come to a standstill and affecting global oil supplies. The Strait of Hormuz previously handled around one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. With rising shipping costs and global oil prices, Iran is now trying to balance its economic interests while maintaining pressure on its perceived enemies. Free navigation access in the Strait of Hormuz is also one of the main points in the 15-point peace plan developed by the United States and sent to Iran via Pakistan. But so far, there is no sign that Tehran is willing to give up its strategic advantage without comprehensive security guarantees. Iran has said it will not relax control over the maritime route as long as the conflict continues, with several government sources insisting that pressure on the enemy will continue until there is a full ceasefire.

Seven Malaysian Tankers Await Safe Passage Through Strait Of Hormuz – Mohamad

PN to Treat MIC’s Silence as Rejection of Membership Offer

KUALA LUMPUR, March 27 — Pandan Member of Parliament Rafizi Ramli has identified the individual referred to as “Mr R” in statements by businessman Victor Chin, alleging that the person is lawyer Sandraruben Neelamagham, also known as Ruben. Rafizi claimed that Ruben holds roles as a NexG corporate advisor and director of Solid HighTech, and is believed to act as an intermediary between a group described as a “corporate mafia” and key stakeholders in matters involving pressure on shareholders. According to Rafizi, communications between Victor Chin and Ruben suggest that “Mr R” operates on behalf of a more influential figure, often referencing a “boss” in their exchanges. He further linked the alleged “boss” to Farhash Wafa Salvador, a former political secretary to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Rafizi questioned whether the alleged influence of these individuals extended to directing authorities to exert pressure on NexG shareholders, and whether such connections played a role in securing a government contract worth billions of ringgit for NexG. “I have fulfilled my promise to reveal who Mr R is,” Rafizi said in a social media post, adding that the matter now warrants an explanation from the Prime Minister regarding the allegations raised.

Rafizi Claims ‘Mr R’, Raises Questions Over Alleged Corporate Influence