
Funding ready for Sabah's creative sector
Published on: Thu, Jul 17, 2025 Text Size: Ewon (third left) receiving a memento from Chester while some of the Safva's committee members look on. PENAMPANG: The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives stands ready to support entrepreneurs involved in developing Sabah's creative industry. Its Minister, Datuk Ewon Benedick, said agencies under his ministry are prepared to provide financing for entrepreneurs in the creative sector.
Advertisement He said Sabah has tremendous potential to contribute to both the State and national economy, especially through young entrepreneurs engaged in film, visual arts, and digital content. 'If entrepreneurs in the creative industry have formed cooperatives, we can also channel financing to help expand their cooperative businesses. 'That's why I encourage the Sabah Film and Visual Association (SAFVA) to establish a cooperative, which would make it easier for them to secure financing tailored to cooperative needs,' he said. Ewon was speaking after receiving a courtesy call from the Sabah Film and Visual Association (SAFVA), led by its President Chester Pang, along with Secretary-General Jade Morris and Kota Kinabalu Zone Head Gregory Giting. During the meeting, Ewon was briefed on the various activities carried out by the association, as well as the challenges faced by Sabah's creative industry. These include issues related to financing, training, and market opportunities. 'I also shared information on ministry initiatives that are suitable for entrepreneurship in the creative industry. 'We want to encourage more young people to get involved in this sector through strategic support and access to financing,' he said. SAFVA currently has 158 members, comprising producers, directors, crew, and actors. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
X accuses French prosecutors of politically motivated free speech probe
PARIS: Elon Musk's social media platform X has accused French prosecutors of launching a politically motivated criminal investigation, claiming it threatens users' free speech. The company denied all allegations and stated it would not comply with the probe. Earlier this month, Paris prosecutors escalated a preliminary investigation into X over suspected algorithmic bias and fraudulent data extraction. Authorities enlisted police to examine potential wrongdoing by the company or its executives. 'Based on what we know so far, X believes that this investigation is distorting French law in order to serve a political agenda and, ultimately, restrict free speech,' the platform posted on its Global Government Affairs account. 'For these reasons, X has not acceded to the French authorities' demands, as we have a legal right to do.' In a sharp rebuke, X also alleged the probe was instigated by French lawmaker Eric Bothorel, who accused the platform of manipulating its algorithm for foreign interference purposes. X dismissed the claim as 'completely false.' The Paris prosecutors' office and Bothorel did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Musk, a former ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, has repeatedly criticized European governments for what he sees as attacks on free speech. He has also expressed support for some of the region's far-right parties. The French investigation could widen tensions between Washington and European capitals over online discourse regulations. Former Trump administration officials have previously accused platforms of censoring right-wing voices globally. X further objected to prosecutors' demands for access to its recommendation algorithm and real-time user post data, which would be analyzed by researchers David Chavalarias and Maziyar Panahi. The platform accused both of showing 'open hostility towards X,' raising concerns about the probe's impartiality. Neither researcher responded immediately to requests for comment. X also criticized the use of organized crime charges in the investigation, which could allow authorities to wiretap employees' personal devices. The case follows similar legal scrutiny in France against Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, who faces judicial supervision over alleged organized crime on his platform. Durov denies wrongdoing. Earlier this month, Musk agreed with Durov's claim that French officials were 'waging a crusade against free speech and tech progress,' responding simply, 'true.' - Reuters


Daily Express
2 hours ago
- Daily Express
SMM dismisses viral jet photo claims, cites cleared inquiry
Published on: Monday, July 21, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jul 21, 2025 Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd (SMM) has dismissed allegations arising from a viral photo showing its CEO and company secretary near a private jet, confirming it was taken during a sanctioned work trip tied to foreign investment discussions. The company clarified that the photo, taken in August 2024, was from a follow-up visit to an Indonesian mining conglomerate after the Board-approved due diligence process initiated by its former CEO in early 2023. Advertisement SMM stated that both CEO Natasha Sim and company secretary Emily Chong had already cooperated with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission last December, with an internal inquiry in February 2025 finding no misconduct or personal benefit involved. It emphasised that the CEO holds no licensing authority, and strongly refuted any claims of wrongdoing, calling the allegations misleading and defamatory. SMM believes the renewed attention may be linked to the ongoing legal action it has filed against two individuals, and warned it will take legal steps against those who continue to spread baseless claims. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia


Daily Express
3 hours ago
- Daily Express
Sabah begins landfill rehabilitation using Ignis 3R tech
Published on: Monday, July 21, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jul 21, 2025 By: Mardinah Jikur, Noor Zafira Zayn Text Size: Joachim and others at the project site. SANDAKAN: A long-standing issue of 'dead landfills' in Sabah is entering a new phase as the State Government embarks on a rehabilitation project at the Sungai Sibuga landfill using Ignis 3R technology. Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, who is also Local Government and Housing Minister, said the initiative reflects a broader move towards more sustainable and responsible solid waste management in the State. Advertisement He stressed that ageing landfill sites, though often out of sight, continue to affect public health, safety, and land use in growing urban areas. Joachim noted that after evaluating various technologies, Ignis 3R was found to be the most suitable for Sabah's context in terms of cost, logistics, and feasibility. He expressed confidence in the solution, calling it timely and practical, and highlighted that the project is led by a Sabahan, Ignis SG Sabah CEO Dr Davina Markus. Davina said the initiative marks a personal mission to address unmanaged waste buildup while supporting national green goals through a closed-loop, non-incineration system. The project, fully funded through a private financing initiative and supported by Exim Bank, is expected to be completed by July 2026 and aims to inspire broader environmental commitment across Sabah. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia