Sabah young entrepreneurs embark on Guangzhou–Jiangmen business mission

KOTA KINABALU (March 4): The 2026 Guangzhou–Jiangmen Business Delegation organised by the Young Entrepreneurs Committee of the Sabah China Chamber of Commerce (SCCC YE) has officially departed, marking another milestone in strengthening Sabah–China business ties.

Approximately 25 young entrepreneurs from diverse sectors across Sabah are participating in the mission, representing industries such as building materials trading, retail, manufacturing, food and beverage, services, and investment.

The delegation reflects the strong determination of Sabah’s young business leaders to venture abroad collectively and actively expand into international markets.

Over the past three years, SCCC YE Founding Chairman Chiew Heng Hock has led delegations to major economic cities in China, laying a solid foundation for sustained international business exchange.

This year marks the first overseas mission led by SCCC YE Chairman Hong Jia Hao, symbolising a new phase of leadership continuity and organisational growth, while further enhancing the committee’s global engagement.

During the visit, the delegation will travel to key economic hubs in Guangdong Province — Guangzhou and Jiangmen — and attend the 32nd China International Exhibition on Packaging Machinery & Materials (Sino-Pack 2026), themed “Smart Packaging for Now and Future”.

Through participation in the exhibition, corporate site visits and business matching sessions, members aim to gain insights into smart manufacturing trends, advanced packaging technologies and industrial upgrading, while exploring potential collaborations and investment opportunities beneficial to Sabah enterprises.

The delegation will also take part in the 4th Jiangmen Coffee Culture Festival 2026, themed “World Coffee – Gathering in Jiangmen,” held from March 5 to 8 at Wuyi Overseas Chinese Plaza. Participation in the festival is expected to enhance exchanges in coffee culture and related industries, foster stronger interaction between Malaysian and Chinese businesses in the food and beverage sector, and create new cross-industry opportunities for young entrepreneurs.

The mission’s organisational structure reflects strong coordination and clear leadership roles.

SCCC President Datuk Frankie Liew Soon Tai serves as Honorary Chief Delegate, while Chiew Heng Hock acts as Chief Planner. Hong Jia Hao heads the delegation as Chief Coordinator, supported by Deputy Coordinators Liew Vui Shing, Desmond Hsiu Wei Peng and Kevin Chin.

Lily Phua serves as Secretary, Lee Shi Ping as Programme Coordinator, and Aifei Lee oversees finance.

Alastair Fong Yung Shyang is in charge of souvenirs, Alan Wong Bak Wei leads publicity efforts, and transportation arrangements are managed by Luke Liew Kit Siong.

Hong said SCCC YE will continue to implement its “Going Out, Bringing In” strategy by strengthening ties with business associations and enterprises across China, promoting resource integration and bilateral cooperation, and creating broader international growth opportunities for young entrepreneurs in Sabah.