logo
Five Sabah enterprises shine

Five Sabah enterprises shine

Daily Express2 days ago
Published on: Sunday, July 06, 2025
Published on: Sun, Jul 06, 2025
By: Sherell Jeffrey Text Size: Wong (third left, standing) with Jonathan (fourth left, standing), Zainudin (centre, standing), Leonard (fourth right, standing), Viviantie (third right, standing) and the winners for this year. Kota Kinabalu: Five enterprises were declared winners in the Shell LiveWire Malaysia 2025 Sabah challenge, following the State finals held at Plaza Shell, here, Saturday. This initiative demonstrates Shell's commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent in Sabah through its development programme.
Advertisement Crates Studio, Live2Learn Ideas, Nella Odella, Rafa F&B Enterprise and WAIG Consultancy Sdn Bhd were selected as the winners, upon competing with over 60 participants who took part in this year's Sabah edition of the programme. Their journey began with an intensive bootcamp aimed at sharpening entrepreneurial skills. From there, ten finalists were shortlisted to compete in the final pitching round, where they presented comprehensive business plans and showcased their commitment to innovation and growth. After a thorough evaluation, five enterprises that stood out were selected as this year's winners. The five victorious enterprises were awarded a startup fund of RM10,000 by Shell, while receiving a year of business coaching to refine their business plans and transform them into successful ventures. Additionally, the winners will gain access to the global LiveWire network, where they can share their insights with entrepreneurs worldwide, while standing a chance to participate in the annual Shell Global Top Ten Innovators Awards. 'What stands out most in our LiveWire programme is how our Sabahan entrepreneurs are using their skills and innovation to create real change towards strengthening their communities and opening up new pathways for employment and growth,' said Sabah Shell Petroleum Company Ltd General Manager Wong Kim Mun. 'LiveWire is more than just a business platform, it is a catalyst for community-driven progress, connecting entrepreneurs to a global network and empowering them to contribute meaningfully to the nation's socio-economic development,' he said. The judges for Shell LiveWire Malaysia 2025 Sabah state finals were Institut Keusahawanan Negara Chief Executive Officer Viviantie Sarjuni, Daily Express Senior Editor Leonard Alaza and Shell Mobility Malaysia Borneo District Manager Zainudin Sulaiman. Also in attendance was Shell Malaysia East Malaysia Corporate Relations General Manager Jonathan Jolly. Shell LiveWire is the flagship enterprise development programme of Shell. The programme strengthens local economies across the globe by promoting entrepreneurship and developing entrepreneurs. This programme, which kick started in Sabah in 2015, in Sarawak in 2016 and in Peninsular Malaysia in 2022, aims to inspire young entrepreneurs to innovate and produce real business solutions that meet today's socio-economic needs. * 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
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Sabah legislators unite behind supplementary budget
Sabah legislators unite behind supplementary budget

Borneo Post

time2 hours ago

  • Borneo Post

Sabah legislators unite behind supplementary budget

Masidi KOTA KINABALU (July 7): The State Legislative Assembly today approved the Supplementary Supply Bill (Expenditure) 2025, which allocates an additional RM1,186,923,403.00 for 53 expenditure heads. In his winding-up speech, State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun said that while debates and disagreements among assembly members are expected, they ultimately reflect a shared commitment — both from the government and opposition — to Sabah's development. 'I would like to thank and acknowledge all honourable members who raised various issues and proposals during the debate on the Supplementary Supply Bill 2025, all with the shared goal of transforming Sabah into a progressive and prosperous state,' he said. Masidi assured that the State Government remains attentive to the matters raised, particularly those directly related to the Ministry of Finance. Addressing specific concerns raised during the debate, Masidi responded to Sindumin assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob's proposal to channel at least RM500,000 in disaster relief funds through district offices via a dedicated disaster trust fund. He explained that while the proposal is acknowledged, the establishment of such a trust fund would involve a lengthy process as it must be tabled in the State Assembly under Section 10 of the Financial Procedure Act 1957. 'Therefore, the ministry believes it is more appropriate for the fund to be centralised under the Chief Minister's Department and managed by the State Disaster Management Committee,' said Masidi. He also said that the ministry is also aware of the need to enhance tourism assets and preserve historical heritage buildings, not only in the Sindumin district but throughout the state. 'However, such efforts remain subject to the State Government's financial capacity.' He also replied to Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (Senallang), who raised the issue of RM44 million expenditure under the Office of the Deputy State Secretary – Special Duties. 'The Ministry of Finance would like to clarify the matter raised by the honourable member for Senallang regarding the RM44 million expenditure under the Office of the Deputy State Secretary – Special Duties, intended to support students and educational institutions in Sabah,' said Masidi. He then detailed that the expenditure of RM44,000,000 is for the Computer Aid (BAIK) programme by providing 1,000 laptops for IPT students from e-Kasih or B40 families totalling RM2,000,000; the BUDI (IPT Registration Cash Aid) or one-off aid of RM2,000 or RM1,500 for newly registered B40/M40 students entering IPT amounting RM10,000,000; the BAKTI Exam Cash Assistance (one off RM200 aid for 40,000 B40 students sitting for SPM/STPM/STAM) amounting RM8,000,000; BAGUS-PTA aid (RM2,000 aid for 1,500 Parent-Teacher Associations (PIBGs) to support their activities amounting RM3,000,000; BISBAH-school equipment aid (equipment support for 1,600 schools) amounting RM10,000,000; BISTARI – State Education Fund (RM100 savings assistance per newborn via SSPN savings) amounting RM2,000,000; AKSA – Excellence Award (Awards for students/educators who bring honour to Sabah nationally/internationally.) amounting RM100,000; BANTU – Special Education Programme Aid (Funding for beneficial educational programmes) amounting RM1,300,000; SEMESTA – Sabah Student Secretariat (financial aid for Sabah student associations across Malaysia/the world) amounting RM300,000; BALKIS – Minor School Repairs amounting RM4,000,000 for repairs under RM50,000 for school infrastructure; MAHAS – Sabah Halal Council amounting RM1,500,000 for the coordination, enforcement, halal expos and certification; BAKPA – Religious Activities Aid amounting RM1,300,000 for special grants for religious programmes; Sabah Language and Literature Council amounting RM500,000 for support for language and literature-related activities. He also commented on the question raised by Tungku assemblyman Assaffal P. Alian concerning the expenditures in CMD1. He said that his ministry shall provide the assemblyman with detailed clarification. 'However, we hope there will be no misunderstanding regarding the figures mentioned, whether hundreds of thousands or millions, under each sub-item. Upon review, these do not involve any additional millions as suggested by the honourable member for Tungku,' said Masidi. 'On the matter of the additional allocation under the Ministry of Rural Development, this pertains to the Special Allocation Programme, which aims to supplement the insufficient annual budget approved for 2025. The allocation is meant to fund small-scale projects across all state constituencies, including those held by the opposition,' he said. As for the queries from the honourable members for Lamag and Tungku regarding the Federal loans and the higher repayments from the State Consolidated Fund, these loans are essential to finance water and sewerage supply projects costing over RM100 million annually, he said. He explained that these loans allow the State Government to focus on other key infrastructure projects that drive economic growth. Furthermore, repayments will only commence after a deferment period of five to seven years, allowing the State to enjoy earlier development while reducing development expenditure in the short term, he said. Meanwhile, Darau assemblyman Azhari Datuk Matussin inquired about the flood mitigation projects worth RM2.3 million and Masidi explained that these included the flood mitigation plan for Sungai Kinarut, Kinarut Basin, Papar District; flood mitigation plan for Sungai Petagas, Putatan – Kg Sendil Phase 2; flood mitigation plan in Sipitang – proposed drainage works for Sungai Naparan Hilir and related works; and flood mitigation plan in Sandakan (Mile 3.5), Sri Taman, Sandakan. He also replied to Lamag, Bugaya and Sekong assemblymen, who highlighted item S26-Contributions to Statutory Funds and provided the breakdown, which covered Contribution to the Development Fund – RM250 million to reduce the deficit, not involving cash flow; Contribution to the Statutory Trust Fund for Road Maintenance – RM150 million to cover concession payments and urgent repairs not covered under existing contracts; and Contribution to the Special Trust Fund – RM200 million to finance programmes such as SYUKUR (People's Gratitude Programme), BUDI, SENTOSA, SUBFLY, SUKSES, and infrastructure development including water, roads and utilities. Masidi also explained that the overall increase in administrative emolument payments is due to the phase one adjustment of the Public Service Remuneration Scheme (SSPA), with an 8% salary increase implemented in December 2024. 'As the 2025 budget was tabled and passed in November 2024, the increase could not be accounted for at the time. The additional provision also covers the Special Financial Aid (BKK) payments in January, Aidilfitri and Kaamatan 2025,' said Masidi. He also said that the RM25 million allocation under D11 – Chief Minister's Department is meant for basic infrastructure financing in both urban and rural areas under the Special Development Programme and the RM3.7 million additional allocation under JHEAINS is to finance: New mosque construction: RM1.01 million; Islamic Community Centre in Penampang; upgrading Papar District Mosque; New mosque in Kg Tambulion, Kota Belud; Religious school construction: RM2.69 million; SMAN in Tambunan; teacher quarters, academic block, astaka, and field at SMAN Toh Puan Hajjah Rahmah (Phase 3); and SAN and JHEAINS Kindergarten in Pekan Sook (Keningau), Kg Tebobon (Menggatal), and Telupid. He also said that under D19 of the Rural Development Ministry, the additional funds are proposed for poverty eradication programmes which includes estimated repayments (e.g., service costs, wages) as per management agreements; home repairs under RM15,000 per house – approximately 33 homes in 2025, including electrical posts; maintenance of damaged village roads, especially flood-prone areas, to aid residents' economic activities; solar lighting supply to off-grid villages in Kota Belud, Pitas, Nabawan, Semporna, Beluran, Lahad Datu and Tamparuli; and programmes to uplift rural living standards. Meanwhile, the RM1.9 million additional provision under D39 for the Ministry of Local Government and Housing is for capital grants to local authorities for road maintenance and other capital expenditures, including: Proposed new District Council Office in Putatan; and construction and completion of new District Council office in Ranau. Meanwhile, an additional RM300,000 is proposed to upgrade visitor facilities at Bukit Tengkorak Archaeological Site, Semporna, as part of the existing project under the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (12MP), initiated on 4 March 2025. Works include upgrading the boardwalk, shelters and observation platforms at the summit, he said. Those who debated the Bill were Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob (Sindumin), Datuk Seri Panglima Mohd Shafie Apdal (Senallang), Datuk Abdul Ghani Mohamed Yassin (Nabawan), Datuk Ignatius Dorell Leiking (Moyog), Assaffal P. Alian (Tungku), Azhari Datuk Matussin (Darau), Datuk Seri Panglima Moktar Radin (Lamag), Datuk Hassan Gani P. Amir (Sebatik), Datuk Dr Jaujan Sambakong (Sulabayan), Datuk Rubin Balang (Kemabong), Arunarsin Taib (Gum-Gum), Jamil Datuk Hamzah (Bugaya), Sarifuddin Hata (Merotai), Alias Sani (Sekong), Datuk Wong Hong Jun (Tanjong Aru), Datuk Jannie Lasimbang (Kapayan), Calvin Chong Ket Kiun (Elopura), Datuk Ewon Benedick (Kadamaian), Datuk Dr Aliakbar Gulasan (nominated assemblyman), Justin Wong Yung Bin (Sri Tanjong), Datuk Jonnybone J. Kurum (Telupid), Datuk Rina Jainal (Kukusan), Datuk Juil Nuatim (Limbahau), Datuk Amisah Yassin (nominated assemblywoman), Datuk Mokran Ingkat (Sungai Manila), Datuk Hamild @ Hamid Awang (Balung).

Former Prime Minister Could See RM169 Million In Cash Forfeited
Former Prime Minister Could See RM169 Million In Cash Forfeited

BusinessToday

time2 hours ago

  • BusinessToday

Former Prime Minister Could See RM169 Million In Cash Forfeited

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has filed an application to forfeit over RM169 million in cash belonging to former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob. MACC, represented by the Deputy Public Prosecutor as the applicant, filed the application at the Sessions Court naming Ismail's former political secretary Datuk Mohammad Anuar Mohd Yunus and the ex-premier himself as first and second respondents. In the application, the commission is seeking a court order to forfeit cash seized from the first respondent for the Malaysian government, including RM14,772,150, SG$6,132,350, US$1,461,400, three million Swiss Francs, €12,164,150, ¥363,000,000, £50,250, NZ$44,600, AED34,750,000, and AU$352,850. The application was made under Section 41(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 after the commission was satisfied that the money kept by Anuar belonged to Ismail and was linked to an offence under Section 36(2) of the same Act. The commission also applied for other court orders deemed suitable by the court. Related

JATIKS calls for transparency, fair play in Borneo.TV implementation
JATIKS calls for transparency, fair play in Borneo.TV implementation

Borneo Post

time3 hours ago

  • Borneo Post

JATIKS calls for transparency, fair play in Borneo.TV implementation

JATIKS representative Andrew Ambrose (fourth from left) presented the letter of demand to Datuk Hj Mazlan Joe Manan, Special Officer to the Chief Minister at the lobby of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly. Also present were Chester Pang, President of SAFVA and representatives of Sabah creative activists. KOTA KINABALU (Jukly 7): The Sabah Creative Industry Action Committee (JATIKS) has urged the state government and those behind to ensure that the new streaming platform genuinely benefits local creative talents instead of sidelining them. JATIKS said that while it welcomes the launch of as an effort to promote Sabah's stories globally, the lack of proper industry engagement and clear guidelines has raised valid concerns among Sabah's 20,000 creative practitioners. 'First and foremost, we appreciate the launch of as an initiative to strengthen Sabah's presence on the global content stage. However, its implementation without comprehensive consultation has created gaps in structure and policy that threaten the sustainability of our creative ecosystem,' said JATIKS. JATIKS, in its letter of demand to the Chief Minister, pointed out that many Sabahan creative talents from theatre practitioners and buskers to social media influencers, still struggle to earn a living in their field, with about 90% forced to take on extra jobs in unrelated sectors. ' should be an opportunity to uplift local talent, not just a branding exercise,' JATIKS stressed. The group highlighted seven core issues they claim have yet to be addressed by and its appointed manager, IB Media Consultant Work Sdn Bhd. Among the concerns are a lack of transparency in the platform's structure, the absence of clear participation guidelines for local creators, and the failure to explain copyright, royalties and ownership rights. 'There is still no official information about who makes editorial decisions, how appointments are made, or how content creators can participate and be fairly compensated,' JATIKS said. The committee also criticised decision not to use local studios or existing production infrastructure, describing it as a blow to Sabah's technical workforce and creative economy. 'Statements that local studios won't be used ignore the crucial role of our existing facilities and skilled technical teams,' JATIKS noted. JATIKS further raised concerns about cultural representation, stressing that content involving Sabah's diverse traditions must be handled with respect and proper community consent. 'There is no mechanism to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) for ethnic communities whose cultures are featured. This opens the door to cultural exploitation,' the committee said. Among its key demands, JATIKS called for the publication of the agreement between state-owned Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) and IB Media, an independent review of claimed benefits, the formation of a cultural panel to safeguard Sabah's heritage, and the creation of a dedicated state agency for the creative industry. 'The state government must be transparent about its actual action plan for strengthening Sabah's creative ecosystem — including developing studios, training facilities, grants and economic opportunities,' JATIKS said, adding that with only months left in the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 1.0 plan, industry players deserve clarity on what comes next. The committee also urged for TV Okey — a national channel originally created to amplify Bornean voices — to be revitalised as Sabah's main broadcast platform, with dedicated production centres and funding for local language content. 'Platforms like can succeed only if they are built on a supportive ecosystem — not just slogans, logos and announcements,' JATIKS said. 'We do not reject but we demand it be implemented fairly, transparently, and in a way that truly benefits Sabahans. This is our home, and we must protect it together.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store