Sabah: Sabah International Expo 2026 (SIE2026) recorded participation from 15 countries, reflecting the confidence and interest of the international business community in Sabah as a destination for trade, investment, and business cooperation. Deputy Chief Minister III cum Sabah Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transportation Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said the international participation also strengthened the aspirations of SIE2026 through the theme 'Sabah - Your Gateway to Global Opportunities.'
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ewon emphasized the significance of the international participation as a strong indicator of growing interest in Sabah. He highlighted that SIE2026 serves not only as an exhibition but as a platform for connecting markets, building cooperation, creating opportunities, and increasing value. This was stated at a press conference following the SIE2026 Opening Ceremony at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC).
The 15 countries participating in SIE2026 include Australia, Brunei Darussalam, China, Denmark, Finland, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia (Peninsular), the Philippines, Poland, Singapore, Thailand, and Zambia. Ewon, the SIE2026 Main Organising chairman, announced that the exhibition provides 300 booths, with about 35 percent involving international exhibitors, including those from the BIMP-EAGA region.
Ewon projected that approximately 10,000 trade visitors, delegates, participants, and visitors are expected to attend the three-day main SIE2026 exhibition, estimating potential sales and business transactions of up to RM10 million. He emphasized the platform's role in allowing local Sabah entrepreneurs to market their products and services and explore potential trade cooperation with international delegates.
Expressing confidence in the event's success, Ewon stated that SIE2026 would open up more opportunities for trade cooperation, investment, and business networking for Sabah entrepreneurs. He emphasized the true value of SIE2026 lies not only in the number of exhibitors or visitors but in the business relationships and cooperation successfully established through the platform.
He further noted that Sabah aims to position itself as the gateway to Borneo, a bridge to BIMP-EAGA, and a platform for businesses to access regional and international markets. SIE2026's main programs include the 3rd BIMP-EAGA Halal Trade, Investment and Industry Conference, which gathers about 300 delegates to discuss trade and investment opportunities as well as developments in the halal economy.
Additionally, SIE2026 features the Sabah International Business Luncheon Talk, with Sunway Group Founder and Chairman Tan Sri Sir Dr Jeffrey Cheah sharing his leadership experience and business journey with approximately 700 participants.