SCCC invites Assistant Finance Minister for Executive Committee installation

KOTA KINABALU (Jan 17): The Sabah China Chamber of Commerce (SCCC), led by its President, Datuk Frankie Liew, together with members of its Executive Committee, paid a courtesy call on the Assistant Minister of Finance of Sabah and Assemblyman for Tanjung Kapor, Datuk Ben Chong, at his office.

During the courtesy call, the SCCC formally extended an invitation to Chong to attend as special guest the installation ceremony of the SCCC Third-Term Executive Committee (2025–2028).

The SCCC delegation comprised Deputy President Brett Chua, Vice Presidents Ir. Ts. Tan KJ, JP, Datuk Jonathan Koh JP and Chiew Heng Hock; as well as Committee Members Joanis Yee and Chin Hui Zhi.

During the meeting, Chong briefed the delegation on his current responsibilities, which include the coordination and administration of state financial assistance to non-Islamic religious bodies and schools.

He informed that the allocation for this purpose amounted to RM70 million in 2025, and has been increased to RM90 million in the current year, reflecting the State Government’s continued commitment to supporting education, religious institutions,+ and social development.

Liew subsequently briefed Chong on the Chamber’s past initiatives, ongoing programmes, and its strategic plans for the coming years. These include SCCC’s continued efforts to strengthen economic, trade and investment cooperation, as well as official and business exchanges between Sabah and the People’s Republic of China.

He further informed that SCCC is planning a series of engagement and exchange activities with China, including a proposed visit to Hainan Island, aimed at facilitating deeper business dialogue and cooperation with Chinese enterprises.

In addition, SCCC is making preparations to conduct business engagements and matching sessions from 19 to 21 April 2026, in conjunction with a major international food industry event to be held in Henan Province, China, with the objective of expanding cooperation in the agri-food sector and related downstream industries.

Looking ahead, Liew also highlighted that SCCC is planning to organise the Sabah–China Business Summit in the third week of November 2026 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Kota Kinabalu.

The summit is intended to attract Chinese business leaders and investors to Sabah, promote priority sectors and investment opportunities, and further position Sabah as a competitive and sustainable investment destination within the ASEAN region.

Chong expressed his appreciation for the role played by the Sabah China Chamber of Commerce in promoting economic cooperation, investment facilitation, and business engagement between Sabah and China. He welcomed continued communication and collaboration between his office and the Chamber on matters of mutual interest.

The courtesy call was conducted in a cordial and constructive manner, with both parties reaffirming the importance of close cooperation between the Government and the business community in supporting Sabah’s economic development and the well-being of its diverse communities.