KOTA KINABALU: Sabah fully supports engineering advancement goals through digital  technology and sustainable practices that safeguard the environment for future  generations. 

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said engineering is not merely  about building infrastructure as it is also about building the future.  

“Sabah, like many other regions in ASEAN, is undergoing rapid development. Our  infrastructure, economy, and industries depend heavily on the expertise of engineers  who are capable of solving the unique challenges we face.  

“From building more resilient infrastructures to promoting sustainable practices,  engineers are at the heart of our efforts to secure a prosperous future for Sabah and  Malaysia as a whole,” he said at the closing ceremony of the Conference of the ASEAN  Federation of Engineering Organisations (CAFEO 42) at the Sabah International  Convention Centre (SICC) tonight. 

Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun delivered his speech. 

Hajiji said engineering plays a crucial role in making the vision of Sabah becoming a  logistics and infrastructure hub for the ASEAN region, facilitating the flow of goods,  services, and talent into a reality. 

“Our state’s commitment to expanding its infrastructure, whether through road  connectivity, ports, or digital, will enable us to strengthen our links within Malaysia and  the wider ASEAN region,” he said, adding that the collaborations formed at the CAFEO  42 can help propel Sabah toward becoming a central player in ASEAN’s growth story.  

Hajiji said Sabah has always been known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage,  but it is now also an emerging economic powerhouse within Malaysia and ASEAN.  

“In fact, Sabah is now one of the top six contributors, adding 5.5 per cent to Malaysia’s  GDP in 2023. Indeed, this is a testament to our growing economic influence and aligns  with our broader goals of developing Sabah, as reflected in our development plan, the  Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ). 

“This five-year plan from 2021 serves as the overarching framework for Sabah’s various  sectoral development blueprints resting on three foundational pillars of Agriculture, Industry, and Tourism, including investing in our people and enhancing connectivity with  a green approach. 

“Key sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and tourism are rapidly expanding, with  the State Government pushing forward initiatives that will promote growth in Science,  Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and workforce  development,” he said. 

Hajiji said Sabah is focussing on increasing the number of students in STEM-related  fields to ensure that the state is also developing the next generation of engineers who  will carry forward the innovations discussed in CAFEO 42. 

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