In September 2026, the highly anticipated Sabah International Expo 2026 (SIE2026) officially commenced at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) in Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, Malaysia. Boasting a high degree of internationalisation and a comprehensive trade and business agenda, this year's expo has brought together leading enterprises and delegates from 15 countries and regions worldwide, further consolidating Sabah's strategic position as a vital gateway connecting regional and global markets.
Notably, SIE2026 features 300 premium booths, with international exhibitors accounting for approximately 35%, fully demonstrating the expo's global influence. The roster of participating nations is unprecedented, encompassing 15 countries: Australia, Brunei, China, Denmark, Finland, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Poland, Singapore, Thailand, and Zambia. This extensive international participation not only highlights Sabah's growing global appeal in trade, investment, and business cooperation but also provides local enterprises with a prime opportunity to connect directly with global resources. At the opening ceremony, Datuk Ewon Benedick, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship, and Transport of Sabah, noted that Sabah warmly welcomes international delegates from the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area) region. This not only deepens regional economic integration but also injects new vitality into cross-border trade.
As the Chairman of the Organising Committee for SIE2026, Datuk Ewon Benedick elaborated on the expo's core vision in his address. He emphasised, "SIE2026 is far more than a traditional exhibition; it is a vital platform for connecting broader markets, forging close partnerships, creating limitless business opportunities, and enhancing comprehensive value." He pointed out that Sabah is committed to positioning itself as the gateway to Borneo, a bridge connecting the BIMP-EAGA region, and a core platform for enterprises to expand into regional and international markets. This forward-looking strategic positioning elevates SIE2026 beyond mere product display, transforming it into a key engine driving synergistic regional economic development.
To maximise the business matching outcomes of the expo, the organisers have meticulously planned a series of high-profile fringe events. Among them, the 3rd BIMP-EAGA Trade, Investment, and Halal Industry Conference, a flagship event of the expo, attracted approximately 300 professional delegates. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on core issues such as regional trade barriers, investment climate optimisation, and global opportunities in the Halal industry. Given the massive market potential of the global Halal sector, this conference has paved the way for cross-border cooperation and standards alignment in related industries, further enhancing Sabah's influence in the global Halal supply chain.
Additionally, the Sabah International Business Luncheon was another highlight during the expo. The event specially invited Tan Sri Sir Dr Jeffrey Cheah, Founder and Chairman of Sunway Group, as the keynote speaker. Sir Dr Jeffrey shared his exceptional leadership insights and remarkable entrepreneurial journey with approximately 700 attendees, offering invaluable actionable takeaways for the entrepreneurs and business leaders present, fostering a highly engaging networking atmosphere.
On the eve of the expo, the state government also hosted a prestigious Welcome Gala Dinner, bringing together approximately 900 VIP guests. Attendees included international delegates, ambassadors, consuls-general, heads of delegations, corporate representatives, business leaders, as well as government and industry representatives. This high-profile gala not only underscored the Sabah state government's strong commitment to the expo but also provided a premium platform for networking and business matchmaking among political and business elites.
Discussing the expected outcomes of the expo, Datuk Ewon Benedick proposed pragmatic and highly forward-looking evaluation criteria. He stated that the three-day expo is expected to attract around 10,000 trade visitors, delegates, participants, and members of the general public, with potential sales and business transactions reaching up to RM10 million. However, he stressed, "The success of an exhibition should not be measured solely by the number of booths or visitor numbers, but by the business deals concluded, the partnerships established, the investment attracted, and the tangible opportunities created for the people." This philosophy profoundly reflects the Sabah state government's pragmatic approach to developing the MICE economy, placing greater emphasis on tangible economic benefits and long-term industry empowerment.
With the resounding success of SIE2026, Sabah is showcasing its openness and robust business environment to the world, highlighting its immense potential as an emerging MICE destination and a regional business hub. By bringing together global expertise and capital, the expo not only provides a springboard for local Sabahan entrepreneurs to bring their products and services to the international stage but also contributes significantly to promoting economic prosperity and sustainable development in Borneo and the broader ASEAN region.