SCCC strengthens Sabah–China ties at installation ceremony

KOTA KINABALU (March 19): The Sabah China Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) held its biggest event of the year at Hakka hall here on Monday night – the installation of its third-term executive committee (2025-2028).

Over 1,000 guests including elected representatives, local Chinese community leaders, corporate figures and delegates from 25 provinces across China were present.

The Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Kota Kinabalu, Dr Zhu Xinglong, officiated at the installation ceremony while Sabah Assistant Finance Minister Datuk Ben Chong officiated at the second term installation of the Young Entrepreneurs and Women Entrepreneurs Committee (2025-2028).

At the ceremony, SCCC officially launched its new digital platform, the “SCCC Smart Connect” mini programme, marking a significant step in the SCCC’s move towards digital transformation and modernised management.

In his speech, SCCC president Datuk Frankie Liew said the SCCC will focus on several key priorities.

Over the next three years, he said the SCCC will strengthen bilateral connections and promote the implementation of concrete cooperation projects.

He said the SCCC would identify Sabah’s unique 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 market access.

Liew also announced the establishment of an Investment Project Information Department, which will function as a one-stop information platform.

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

Liew also stressed the SCCC’s commitment to nurturing young and women entrepreneurs.
To support them, SCCC has established the Youth Entrepreneurs Council and the Women Entrepreneurs Council, providing broader platforms for training, study visits and exchanges.

The SCCC will also continue strengthening communication with government agencies in both countries to provide members with more accurate policy interpretation, legal consultation and business-matching services.

Dr Zhu later witnessed the presentation of certificates of appointment to the honorary advisers of SCCC.

Among the honorary advisors who received the letter of appointment from Liew were KTI Group CEO and Managing Director Datuk Dr Gordon Loke; former Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew; nominated assemblyman Datuk Roger Chin; WSG Group Managing Director Datuk Susan Wong; Tanjung Aru assemblyman Junz Wong; and Jesselton International Executive Chairman Tan Sri David Chu.

KTI said the recognition reflects Loke’s outstanding leadership and longstanding contributions to Sabah’s business and development landscape, as well as his continued commitment to strengthening collaboration and economic ties between Sabah and China.