Big Deal Expo signifies Sibu’s ever-growing business environment

SIBU (Feb 9): The ‘Big Deal Expo’ here stands as more than just a marketplace, as it is also regarded as a meeting of ideas and partnerships, as well as a platform for innovation.

For Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang, this marks a clear signal that Sibu ‘is not standing still’.

“Sibu is adapting, evolving, and embracing new ways of doing business,” he said in his speech for the expo’s official opening ceremony at the indoor stadium on Saturday night.

The three-day event, organised by BorneoPlux, concluded yesterday. It registered the participation of over 60 businesses.

Adding on, Tiang also described Sibu as ‘no longer being defined by its traditional strengths’.

“While we remain proud of our heritage: our timber legacy, and our strong trading roots; we are also seeing exciting growth, especially in SMEs (small and medium enterprises), creative industries, digital commerce, youth entrepreneurship, and cross-border opportunities,” said Pelawan assemblyman.

“Sibu is moving forward with confidence, creativity and renewed momentum.

“Still, this town’s greatest strength lies in its people.

“We are practical, hardworking, creative, and resilient, but increasingly, we are also pushing ourselves towards going beyond the limit.

“We try to train ourselves to become tech-savvy, get hold of all the latest technology, and be bold enough to try something new.”

Meanwhile, Sibu Resident Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman hailed the Big Deal Expo as ‘injecting fresh energy into Sibu, benefitting retailer-suppliers, logistic partners, creative industries as well as the tourism and hospitality sector’.

“Beyond business, I believe that the expo is about community, as it brings families together, creates opportunities for youth participation, supports local talents, and fosters a stronger sense of pride in what Sibu has to offer.

“I am pleased to see a strong participation of brands, sponsors and exhibitors from various sectors, alongside the support from government agencies and business organisations.

“This demonstrates a shared commitment to advancing Sibu as a dynamic commercial centre and a destination for both consumer-focused and B2B (business-to-business) events,” said Abang Mohamad, whose speech text was read out by Sibu Resident’s Office administrative officer Haidel Kowel Bete at the event.

Among those present were Ministry for International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (Mintred) principal assistant secretary (entrepreneur development division) Zainap Halip, Business Events Sarawak general manager (capacity and digitalisation) Joachim Soon, National Consumer Action Council (MTPN) Sarawak Region president Lucas Lau, and organising committee head Zoey Ting.