Kota kinabalu: The Sabah Ministry of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport (MINDET) is set to present the Sabah Oil and Gas Services and Equipment (OGSE) 5-Year Roadmap to the state Cabinet for its endorsement. Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick announced this plan after the Sabah OGSE Conference and Exhibition 2026, emphasizing the roadmap's aim to bolster the involvement of local companies in the industry.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the two-day conference's highlight was the unveiling of the roadmap, which showcases Sabah's ambition to enhance its oil and gas sector through increased local participation. Ewon, who also serves as Sabah's Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship, stated that the ministry intends to secure full support from the Sabah Cabinet for this initiative.
The roadmap is crafted to assist local industry players in amplifying their engagement, aligning with broader efforts to boost local content within the sector. Ewon detailed that the roadmap is structured around several key pillars that involve shared responsibilities among the government, oil and gas operators, industry stakeholders, and Sabah-based companies.
Ewon highlighted that one of the essential pillars focuses on the local industry players' role in building capacity. He stressed the importance of not only supporting local companies' participation but also encouraging them to enhance their capabilities. Capacity building, he noted, goes beyond asset ownership and involves skills development, human capital, and technical expertise necessary for industry competitiveness.
Looking forward to 2030, Ewon expressed optimism that Sabah would see a significant rise in local industry participation, positioning the state as a potential regional oil and gas hub. He underscored the necessity for Sabah to transition from being merely a natural resources producer to becoming an equity stakeholder and a pivotal participant in the industry's services and supply chain.
Ewon also noted that MINDET plans to take a more proactive role in achieving the 'Sabah First' aspiration, ensuring that the oil and gas industry's benefits are more broadly distributed among the state's population and local businesses.