Jonathan Chai Voon Tok elected new president of Sarawak Business Federation

Chai (seated third left) together with Abang Karim (seated, fourth left) and other SBF members during the 11th AGM on June 24, 2026.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, June 24: The Sarawak Business Federation (SBF) has ushered in a new leadership era with the election of Dato Jonathan Chai Voon Tok as its new president at its 11th Annual General Meeting (AGM) today, marking a key transition as the apex business body prepares to advance into its next phase of growth and development.

Established in 2016 as the umbrella organisation representing Sarawak’s diverse business community, SBF has grown into a prominent platform for industry engagement, policy advocacy, and public-private sector collaboration.

Today, it brings together 24 component organisations spanning a wide range of industries across the state, reinforcing its role as a unified voice for the private sector.

Chai succeeds Dato Sri Abang Abdul Karim Tun Openg, whose leadership has been instrumental in strengthening SBF since its establishment in 2016.

Under his stewardship, the federation solidified its position as a credible and influential platform, championing industry initiatives and deepening engagement between the business community and policymakers.

The AGM also saw the appointment of Louis Ting Tiew Hee as secretary general, alongside a newly elected council comprising representatives from SBF’s component organisations.

In his acceptance speech, Chai expressed appreciation for the trust placed in him and reaffirmed SBF’s commitment to advancing the interests of the business community.

“As Sarawak continues its economic transformation journey, SBF will remain steadfast in advocating for a competitive, sustainable and business-friendly environment. We will continue to strengthen collaboration among industry stakeholders, engage constructively with policymakers, and support initiatives that contribute to Sarawak’s long-term growth and prosperity.

“In doing so, we aim to further reinforce SBF as the apex business organisation in Sarawak, a unified platform representing the collective voice of the private sector and a trusted partner in the region’s development journey,” he said in a statement.

Looking ahead, SBF said it will continue building on its strong foundation while expanding its role as a strategic partner in shaping Sarawak’s economic future through advocacy, industry engagement, capacity-building, and strategic collaborations.

The federation also expressed its appreciation to Abang Karim for his leadership, guidance, and contributions throughout his tenure as president. — DayakDaily