KOTA KINABALU: Sarawak Deputy Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED) Datuk Malcolm Mussen Lamoh attended the Opening Ceremony of the Sabah International Expo 2026 (SIE2026) which was held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Kota Kinabalu.

According to a statement by MINTRED, the opening ceremony was officiated by Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport (MINDET) Datuk Ewon Benedick.

“The presence of Datuk Malcolm Mussen Lamoh at SIE2026 also reflects MINTRED's commitment in strengthening trade relations between Sarawak and Sabah, as well as supporting the expansion of local enterprises to a wider market,” it said on Friday.

SIE2026 is Sabah’s Premier Biennial Trade Fair which has been organised since 2000 and has become one of the main trade and business platforms in Sabah.

Taking place from 4 to 6 September 2026 at SICC, SIE2026 is themed ‘Sabah – Your Gateway to Global Opportunities’ and brings together industry players, entrepreneurs and the local and international business community.

The exhibition covers various sectors including manufacturing, oil and gas, agriculture and agro-based, tourism, green technology, information and digital technology, real estate, construction and infrastructure.

SIE2026 provides a strategic platform for participants to introduce products and services, build business networks, explore investment opportunities and open up access to new markets, particularly at the ASEAN and BIMP-EAGA levels.

The participation of eight Sarawakian entrepreneurs through the Sarawak Pavilion in SIE2026 is supported by MINTRED as part of efforts to expand market access, increase the visibility of local products and open up business networking opportunities at the regional level.

MINTRED said this participation provides an opportunity for Sarawak entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services to a wider market, in addition to interacting directly with potential buyers, strategic partners and industry players from Sabah, Malaysia and the international market.

“The involvement of Sarawakian entrepreneurs in SIE2026 also reflects MINTRED's continued efforts in empowering local enterprises through promotional opportunities, business networking and exploring new markets.

“Cross-state cooperation and involvement in trade platforms such as SIE2026 are hoped to continue to open up more opportunities in the fields of trade, investment, business networking and entrepreneurial development.

“This effort can thus contribute to the economic growth of Sarawak and Sabah and strengthen Borneo's position as a regional trade and business hub,” it said. -UKASnews