Sarawak Entrepreneurs Eye RM230,000 Sales At Borneo Native Festival 2026 In Kuala Lumpur
KUALA LUMPUR: The Borneo Native Festival 2026 drew strong participation from entrepreneurs and cultural communities across the country, with Deputy Minister of Health Malaysia Dato Hanifah Hajar Taib officiating the event as Guest of Honour.
The festival, held in the capital city from 22 to 24 May, served as a platform to celebrate the diversity of Borneo’s heritage while promoting indigenous products, businesses and cultural identity to a wider audience.
During her visit to the festival, Dato Hanifah toured the MINTRED Sarawak Pavilion, where she met participating Sarawak entrepreneurs and viewed a range of locally produced goods on display.
The pavilion featured businesses representing various sectors, including food and beverage, handicrafts, beauty and wellness products, fashion, and lifestyle items.
Her presence highlighted the federal government’s continued support for the growth and development of local entrepreneurs, particularly those from Sarawak seeking to expand into the Peninsular Malaysian market.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (MINTRED) brought 10 Sarawak entrepreneurs to participate in the three-day festival as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen market access and create greater commercial exposure for home-grown businesses.
The initiative enabled entrepreneurs to introduce their products to new consumers, engage directly with potential buyers, and establish strategic business connections with industry players and distributors from across the region.
According to MINTRED, the participation at the festival is expected to generate approximately RM230,000 in total sales value over the course of the event.
The encouraging sales projection reflects the growing demand for Sarawak-made products and the increasing recognition of the state’s unique offerings in both local and national markets.
"Many visitors were drawn to the authenticity and quality of the products showcased, particularly those highlighting Sarawak’s cultural heritage and natural resources," it said.
The strong response received at the Borneo Native Festival 2026 underscores the importance of trade exhibitions and cultural festivals as platforms for entrepreneurial growth and economic development.
MINTRED said such initiatives not only help promote Sarawak products to a broader audience, but also strengthen the competitiveness of local businesses by opening opportunities for networking, collaboration and long-term market expansion beyond the state. -UKASnews
