SCCC launches Smart Connect to strengthen business cooperation

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah China Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) has officially launched its new digital platform, the “SCCC Smart Connect” mini program, marking a significant step in the Chamber’s move towards digital transformation and modernised management.

The platform was unveiled during the installation ceremony of the Chamber’s third-term executive committee held at the Hakka Hall here on Monday night.

SCCC said the initiative comes as the business ecosystem continues to evolve, with traditional methods such as websites, emails and social media no longer sufficient to meet the growing needs of enterprises for resource matching, business collaboration and real-time interaction.

“In today’s rapidly changing business environment, chambers must also adapt by embracing digital tools and more systematic management approaches,” it said in a statement.

Developed as a WeChat mini program, “SCCC Smart Connect” integrates several key functions including membership management, resource integration, business matching and event information sharing.

The platform is designed to provide member companies with a more convenient and efficient channel for communication and collaboration, while at the same time enhancing the Chamber’s management efficiency and service capabilities.

Among the platform’s key features is a member enterprise database, which provides a centralised display of member companies’ profiles and industry information to facilitate resource sharing and networking.

It also includes business matching and investment linkage functions, aimed at helping enterprises identify potential partners and explore investment opportunities.

In addition, the platform offers real-time updates on chamber events and business information, allowing members to stay informed on activities, industry news and relevant policy developments.

A digital membership management system has also been incorporated to improve communication with members while streamlining data management and service delivery.

SCCC noted that the launch of “SCCC Smart Connect” represents an important milestone in the Chamber’s digitalisation journey and could become one of the pioneering initiatives among chambers in Malaysia to adopt a mini program for digital management.

Moving forward, the platform is expected to help connect resources, foster collaboration and support business growth, while serving as a more efficient bridge for trade, investment and business exchanges between Sabah and Chinese enterprises.

Speaking at the installation ceremony, SCCC President Datuk Frankie Liew said the Chamber has outlined several key priorities for the next three years.

He said the Chamber will focus on strengthening Sabah–China connections and promoting the implementation of practical cooperation projects.

“We aim not only to be introducers, but also true partners,” he said.

Liew said the chamber will identify Sabah’s strengths in sectors such as agricultural products, tourism, renewable energy and the green economy, and connect them with Chinese enterprises’ advantages in technology, capital and markets.

“This will help facilitate more tangible and practical cooperation projects between Sabah and China,” he said.

One of the chamber’s key initiatives is the establishment of an Investment Project Information Department, which will function as a one-stop platform for investment information.

The department will systematically integrate investment policies, project demands and cooperation opportunities between Sabah and China.

“We will establish an authoritative, transparent and real-time database to allow investors to conveniently access the information they need, reduce communication costs and improve collaboration efficiency,” Liew said.

“Whether Chinese enterprises wish to explore investment opportunities in Sabah, or local businesses are seeking Chinese partners, this platform will serve as a precise navigation guide.”

Liew noted that many chambers of commerce in Malaysia still rely mainly on traditional websites, emails or social media to communicate with members, which limits interaction, business matching and resource integration.

“SCCC Smart Connect is not just an application — it is a digital ecosystem that connects businesses, integrates resources and promotes collaboration,” he said.

The platform will allow members to access information faster, enable businesses to match opportunities more efficiently and help investors better understand Sabah’s investment potential.

“We believe this platform will provide a more efficient and open channel for business cooperation between Sabah and China,” he added.

Liew also emphasised the chamber’s commitment to supporting young and women entrepreneurs.

“Young entrepreneurs are not only our future successors but also a vital source of innovation and energy for the chamber. Meanwhile, women entrepreneurs play an equally crucial role by contributing resilience and inclusiveness to our development,” he said.

To support them, SCCC has established the Youth Entrepreneurs Council and the Women Entrepreneurs Council, providing platforms for training, study visits and exchanges.

“Our goal is to help them become an important driving force in Sabah–China economic cooperation,” he said.

More than 100 entrepreneurs from China attended the event and witnessed the inauguration of the chamber’s third executive committee as well as the establishment of the two councils.

Among the guests present were the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kota Kinabalu, Dr Zhu Xinglong; Sabah Assistant Minister of Finance Datuk Ben Chong; former Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Yong Teck Lee; former Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew and several state assemblymen.

Earlier, Yong gave a talk on Sabah’s investment and business opportunities to the visiting Chinese entrepreneurs.