Photo-
Dr Joachim (centre) receiving a memento from Foo.
KOTA KINABALU, 24 Feb: Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam urged the Small and Medium Enterprise Association of Sabah (SME Sabah) to continue doing outreach programmes to other outlying areas outside Kota Kinabalu for the benefit of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) throughout Sabah.
The Local Government and Housing Minister also assured of his Ministry’s assistance when needed.
“My Ministry is ever willing to assist where needed.
“During my tenure as the Industrial Development Minister (MID) from 2020 to January 2023, I had the pleasure of working closely with (SME Sabah President) Datuk N K Foo. In recognition of SME Sabah’s contributions to supporting MID’s programmes and providing suggestions to resolve the challenges faced by MSMEs, SME Sabah was appointed a strategic partner of MID in December 2021, while I was the MID Minister.
“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Datuk Foo on his appointment as part of the Economic Advisory team by the Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor,” he said at the SME Sabah’s Chinese New Year Chap Goh Mei 2024 at the Hakka Hall in Tanjung Lipat here today.
Dr Joachim said SME Sabah has played a vital role as a bridge between the Government and MSME especially in disseminating information with regards to the various government programmes to assist MSME, and in promoting economic growth, fostering networking opportunities and encouraging collaborations amongst the many business associations and communities like today’s luncheon, to benefit the business community as well as increasing the state’s GDP.
“I thank SME Sabah for gathering us here in conjunction with the Chap Goh Mei celebration. This has allowed the entire business community to gather and do a wonderful and merry networking session, especially among the many Chambers of Commerce and trade associations. I hope you all will get to know each other better and foster future collaborations conducive to business development. This sort of networking event is encouraged and supported by the Government,” he said.
Dr Joachim was also pleased to note the presence of representatives of various other chambers of commerce at the event namely the Kadazandusun Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dewan Perniagaan Melayu Sabah, Sabah Indian Chamber of Commerce, Sabah United Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which truly represents the uniqueness of Sabah’s unity and diversity in action.
He said the Chinese New Year is a time for renewal and reflection, an opportunity to honour the deep-rooted traditions passed down through generations.
“As we celebrate Chap Goh Mei, let us also reflect on the racial unity and diversity that define us Sabahans Malaysian and contribute to the Malaysia MADANI and Sabah Maju Jaya visions for all Malaysians in Sabah. So let us continue to support one another including doing business together.
“Let us follow the wisdom and spirit of the dragon year, which is known for its auspicious power, wisdom, and good fortune, as we strive to improve our community and businesses,” he said while hoping this Year of the Dragon brings them auspicious power, wisdom, good fortune and great success.
Also present were, Sabah Minister of Industrial Development and Enterprenuer, Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe; Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Chan Foong Hin; State Assistant Minister of Finance, Tan Lee Fatt; Organizing Chairman, Roderick Goh Choon Keat; presidents, advisors, officers, and sponsors.
