SME Sabah urged to continue outreach programmes in outlying areas
KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam urged the Small and Medium Enterprise Association of Sabah (SME Sabah) to continue carrying out outreach programmes to other outlying areas outside Kota Kinabalu for the benefit of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) throughout Sabah.
The State Local Government and Housing Minister also assured of his ministry’s assistance when needed.
Joachim said SME Sabah has played a vital role as a bridge between the government and MSME especially in disseminating information with regards to the various government programmes to assist MSME, and in promoting economic growth, fostering networking opportunities and encouraging collaborations amongst the many business associations and communities like the luncheon, to benefit the business community as well as increasing the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“I thank SME Sabah for gathering us here in conjunction with the Chap Goh Mei celebration. This has allowed the entire business community to gather and do a wonderful and merry networking session, especially among the many chambers of commerce and trade associations.
“I hope you all will get to know each other better and foster future collaborations conducive to business development.This sort of networking event is encouraged and supported by the government,” he said at the SME Sabah’s Chinese New Year Chap Goh Mei 2024 celebration at Hakka Hall here on Friday.
Joachim was also pleased to note the presence of representatives of various other chambers of commerce at the event namely the Kadazandusun Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dewan Perniagaan Melayu Sabah, Sabah Indian Chamber of Commerce, Sabah United Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which truly represents the uniqueness of Sabah’s unity and diversity in action.
He said the Chinese New Year is a time for renewal and reflection, an opportunity to honour the deep-rooted traditions passed down through generations.
“As we celebrate Chap Goh Mei, let us also reflect on the racial unity and diversity that define us Sabahans as Malaysians and contribute to the Malaysia Madani and Sabah Maju Jaya visions for all Malaysians in Sabah. So let us continue to support one another including doing business together.
“Let us follow the wisdom and spirit of the dragon year, which is known for its auspicious power, wisdom, and good fortune, as we strive to improve our community and businesses,” he said.
Meanwhile, SME Sabah president Prof Datuk Foo Ngee Kee hopes the Chap Goh Mei celebration cum networking luncheon can help build connections and opportunities for business matching for the growth and development of business.
He said they are deeply touched and grateful for the support they have been getting from their sponsors who are from government agencies, financial institutions, corporations, SME Sabah honorary advisors and members, and individual supporters.
Foo said the strong support encourages them to continue to work for the benefits of Micro Small Medium Entrepreneurs, and the sponsorships had allowed them to make a total of seven donations to schools and charitable organisations during the luncheon as part of their corporate social responsibility.
“The Year of the Dragon 2024, when combined with the nourishing wood element, will bring evolution, improvement, and abundance, and as we usher in this year, it is the perfect time for rejuvenated beginnings and setting the foundation for longterm success.
“Let us put the Covid-19 pandemic behind us and continue to charge forward, not only to rebuild our current business, but to try to transform into a more efficient, technology driven and cost-effective business,” he said.
Also present were State Minister of Industrial Development and Enterpreneur, Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe; Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Chan Foong Hin; State Assistant Minister of Finance, Tan Lee Fatt; and organising chairman Roderick Goh Choon Keat.