Shiang Lung expands international reach with Sabah products

KUCHING (September 24): Sabah-based Shiang Lung Supply Sdn Bhd is expanding the reach of its bird’s nest products while exploring opportunities in Muslim-majority markets, including the Gulf region.

The company, one of the largest wholesalers and distributors of dried seafood products in Southeast Asia, currently exports its bird’s nest products to Hong Kong, Singapore and other markets.

It employs approximately 130 people and also operates in wholesale, distribution, processing and retail, with products including bird’s nest, fish maw and sea cucumber.

The company recently hosted Sabah Development Bhd (SDB) chairman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob, who visited its bird’s nest processing facility, fish maw and sea cucumber operations as well as its retail outlet.

The visit included the production process of Shiang Lung’s premium bird’s nest drink, from cleaning to bottling and packaging, alongside its fish maw and sea cucumber products.

Yusof said Sabah’s natural resources from both land and sea provide opportunities for businesses and investors to develop products and create greater economic value for the state.

“I strongly support such efforts because there are investors willing to invest in Sabah to seek business opportunities. Sabah is a state rich in natural resources, whether from the sea or land. It is up to us how these resources are developed and turned into products,” he said.

Kent Lim managing director Shiang Lung said the company was proud to be a Sabah-based business and aimed to develop products connected to the state.

“We are proud to be a Sabah-based company and to build our business around the richness of what Sabah has to offer.

“From bird’s nest to fish maw and sea cucumber, these are products with a strong connection to our home, and we see it as our responsibility to develop them with care and bring their quality to a wider audience,” he said.

Lim said the company had obtained Halal certification for its bird’s nest products as it prepares to explore Muslim-majority markets, particularly the Gulf region.

“We recognised the potential of Muslim-majority markets and saw an opportunity to build on our existing business by reaching new customer segments, especially in the Gulf region,” he said.

Yusof said businesses with the scale and resources to develop local products could also help promote Sabah’s products overseas.

“Investors with the scale and resources to do so can promote Sabah’s products and produce.

“Shiang Lung, for example, has bird’s nest and other products that are exported overseas. When these products are marketed with the label ‘Product of Sabah’, they indirectly carry Sabah’s name overseas,” he said.

He also highlighted trade exhibitions and promotional activities as avenues for local businesses to connect with potential buyers and partners, citing China, Dubai and Europe as markets and platforms that could be explored.

Yusof added that the growth of local businesses could create opportunities for graduates, young people and local entrepreneurs, particularly in logistics, supply and supporting services.

For aspiring Bumiputera entrepreneurs, he said building knowledge and experience while utilising support from agencies such as Sabah Credit Corporation, Agrobank, MARA and TEKUN could help strengthen their businesses.