Latest news with #BIMP-EAGABusinessCouncil
Borneo Post
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Consult Sabah before deciding on Ambalat, says Sabah BIMP-EAGA Business Council
Dr Raymond Alfred KOTA KINABALU (July 2): The chairman of the BIMP-EAGA Business Council (Malaysia, Sabah), Dr Raymond Alfred, on Wednesday emphasized that any decisions on the disputed Ambalat maritime zone must involve formal consultation with Sabah, given the state's direct strategic, economic and geopolitical interests. Raymond asserted that Ambalat is not merely a bilateral dispute between Putrajaya and Jakarta, but a Sabahan maritime issue that affects border integrity, energy resources, and regional development potential. 'Ambalat lies at Sabah's maritime frontier. No final decision or commitment should be made by the Federal Government without full consultation and participation of Sabah's leadership. This is fundamental under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),' he said. Raymond called on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (PMX) to ensure that Sabah is given an official seat at the table in all negotiations and decisions involving maritime boundaries with Indonesia. 'Sabah has every legal and moral right to be involved. This is not just a national security matter — it's a question of Sabah's future development in oil, gas, marine economy, and sovereignty,' he stressed. The BIMP-EAGA Business Council (Malaysia, Sabah), which supports cross-border economic collaboration across Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, also warned that Sabah's exclusion from maritime policy-making could undermine regional cooperation efforts and limit economic opportunities in the BIMP-EAGA growth corridor. Raymond called on the Federal Government to establish a Sabah Maritime Boundary Consultative Committee to review and assert Sabah's interests in Ambalat, involve Sabah's elected leaders and maritime experts in all diplomatic talks involving disputed maritime areas and uphold MA63 principles to ensure Sabah's participation in decisions affecting its territorial and resource rights. He further urged Sabah civil society, youth groups and coastal communities to remain vigilant and united in defending Sabah's interests. 'Sabah cannot afford to be a spectator in decisions that impact our borders and resources. We must speak with one voice: no decision about Sabah, without Sabah,' Raymond concluded. On June 27, national news agency Bernama reported that Anwar and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto had reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation, including the potential for joint development in the maritime border area between the two countries. Anwar was quoted as saying that both sides should explore economic cooperation in the maritime zone, including the Ambalat area, for the benefit of their respective populations. Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan has also demanded an explanation from the Federal Government over the matter.
Borneo Post
02-06-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Tuaran, Beluran Hospitals to pioneer digital healthcare transformation in Sabah
Dr Raymond Alfred KOTA KINABALU (June 2): Despite over three decades of dedicated service since its establishment in 1993, Tuaran Hospital has experienced limited progress in digital healthcare transformation. Recognizing the urgent need to modernize and optimize healthcare delivery, Allyssa Certification Sdn Bhd, under the platform of the BIMP-EAGA Business Council (Sabah), has taken a proactive step to address these systemic challenges. In June 2024, Allyssa Certification Sdn Bhd — an operating arm of the BIMP-EAGA Business Council (Sabah) — together with its technology partners, MQuest Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), engaged in a strategic dialogue with the Chief Minister of Sabah to present proposed digital healthcare solutions. Following the meeting, the Chief Minister's Department recommended direct engagement with the Permanent Secretary (Datuk Maria Chong) of the Ministry of Community Development and People's Wellbeing to advance the initiative. As a result, a Proof of Concept (PoC) was successfully implemented at Tuaran Hospital and partially at Beluran Hospital, with endorsement and support from the ministry. This initiative aligns with the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area) Vision 2025, which prioritizes digitalization as a catalyst for economic integration, innovation and regional resilience. Dr Raymond Alfred, chairman of BIMP-EAGA (Sabah) and CEO of Allyssa Certification Sdn Bhd, believes the digital healthcare initiative will position Tuaran and Beluran Hospitals for enhanced operational efficiency, improved patient outcomes, and readiness for advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI). The technical report and outcomes of the PoC were formally submitted to Datuk James Ratib, Sabah's Minister of Community Development and People's Wellbeing, by the project team comprising Dr Raymond Alfred (Allyssa Certification), Prof Ts Dr Rayner Alfred (MIMOS), Dr Rayner Pailus (UMS), Lim Boon Seng (MQ Singapore), and Rayyan Radzwill Abdullah (MQuest Malaysia). James acknowledged the success of the initiative and affirmed the value it brings to Sabah, including (i) Improved access to healthcare for remote and underserved communities, (ii) Accelerated data-driven state-level health policy decisions, (iii) Enhanced efficiency and transparency in the allocation of healthcare resources and (iv) future-proof, autonomous digital healthcare ecosystem tailored to Sabah's unique needs He further recognized the tangible achievements of the PoC, including (i) Full integration of digital platforms across key hospital departments, (ii) Transition of critical workflows (e.g., triage, clinical encounters) from paper-based to digital, (iii) Real-time clinical and operational dashboards for informed decision-making, (iv) Integration of laboratory, radiology, and pharmacy modules with the Hospital Information System (HIS), (v) Deployment of AI-enabled tools to support clinical decision-making, (vi) Standards-based interoperability with the national health database 'This initiative represents a pivotal turning point for Tuaran and Beluran Hospitals,' said James. 'It is a low-risk, high-impact transformation that has the potential to set a new benchmark for smarter, more efficient healthcare delivery in the region. My ministry is fully committed to providing the necessary support to ensure the successful and timely implementation of this initiative.' Raymond extends his sincere appreciation to Permanent Secretary (Datuk Maria Chong) of the Ministry of Community Development and People's Wellbeing, Dr Primus John, Director of Tuaran Hospital, and Dr Aldasir B. Rudy, Director of Beluran Hospital, for their valuable suggestions, contributions, and close cooperation during the implementation of the Proof of Concept. Allyssa Certification Sdn Bhd, together with its technology partners, remains fully committed to supporting both hospitals in their journey to become the first fully digital hospitals in Sabah. This pioneering initiative is set to transform patient care and hospital operations, ushering in a new era of digital healthcare excellence within the BIMP-EAGA region.
Borneo Post
07-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Plan to transform Tamparuli into sustainable rural model
Dr Raymond (second from left) with Jaffrin (right) and Chelsea (left). KOTA KINABALU (May 7): BIMP-EAGA Business Council (BEBC) Sabah chairman Dr Raymond Alfred has proposed a 10-year sustainable and inclusive community development program in Tamparuli, aiming to transform the constituency into a model for green economic growth and digital inclusion in rural Sabah. The proposal comes following Dr Raymond's participation in a mushroom tissue culture training course at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), alongside two local youths from Tamparuli, Jaffrin Singkod and Chelsea Drew Apple. 'Tamparuli has extraordinary potential as a hub for green growth and grassroots innovation. We need a long-term, holistic strategy that not only raises the standard of living, but also prepares our communities for future challenges like climate change and the digital economy,' he said. According to Dr Raymond, the proposed program will be implemented in phases and is expected to require a total investment of RM15 million to RM20 million over 10 years. It will centre on five core pillars, namely community-based agro-ecotourism rooted in Tamparuli's cultural heritage and natural beauty, high-value crops such as mushrooms and grapes to generate new income streams, entrepreneurship incubators for youth and women in rural areas, community Digital Access Centres (CDACs) to enhance digital literacy and connectivity; and environmental conservation efforts, especially along rivers and hilly terrain. 'We envision Tamparuli as a living example of how rural development can be both sustainable and inclusive where economic progress goes hand in hand with cultural preservation and environmental protection,' he said. Dr Raymond emphasised that the initiative would only succeed through multi-stakeholder collaboration, involving government agencies, academic institutions, NGOs, the private sector, GLCs, and community-based organisations. 'This is not a top-down plan. It requires the active involvement of the people of Tamparuli, local leaders, and our MP for Tuaran. Everyone must have a role,' he said. He also expressed appreciation to individuals who helped fund the two Tamparuli participants in the UPM course, saying it marked an important step in building local capacity for innovation. 'That short course opened their eyes and mine to what's possible when knowledge meets opportunity. Now it's time to build on that momentum,' he added. With this bold proposal, BEBC Sabah hopes to position Tamparuli as a showcase of rural transformation under the BIMP-EAGA framework, a region-wide initiative for economic cooperation in Southeast Asia. 'Tamparuli not only has the potential to rise, but to lead,' Dr Raymond concluded. The proposed plan is expected to be further refined in the coming months as consultations with stakeholders begin.
Daily Express
05-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Banggi holds biogas potential
Published on: Monday, May 05, 2025 Published on: Mon, May 05, 2025 By: Nikko Fabian Text Size: Preliminary assessments indicate Banggi Island's potential to generate over 1.5 GWh of renewable electricity annually by converting palm oil mill effluent and other biomass by-products into biogas. Kota Kinabalu: BIMP-EAGA Business Council (BEBC-Sabah) Chairman Dr. Raymond Alfred revealed its unwavering support for developing biogas energy infrastructure on Banggi Island. He said this strategic initiative aims to bolster sustainable energy security and foster inclusive economic growth in the region. 'Banggi Island, including Kudat and Kota Marudu, boasts a burgeoning oil palm industry, generating substantial biomass waste like POME and EFB…This presents a unique opportunity to transform Banggi into a model for rural renewable energy and agro-industrial development. I am eager to collaborate with Dato Verdon Bahanda, the Member of Parliament for Kudat, on this project,' he added. Preliminary assessments indicate Banggi Island's potential to generate over 1.5 GWh of renewable electricity annually by converting palm oil mill effluent and other biomass by-products into biogas. The clean energy source could power hundreds of rural homes and businesses, significantly reducing reliance on expensive diesel-generated electricity. Raymond further emphasized, 'This initiative aligns perfectly with the BIMP-EAGA Vision 2025, promoting green infrastructure, robust local value chains, and sustainable livelihoods. It's also crucial for Banggi's long-term goal of achieving full district status, with energy self-sufficiency forming a cornerstone of its local governance and development.' The Business Council advocates for: A comprehensive feasibility study involving state agencies, palm oil stakeholders, and renewable energy experts. Strategic public-private partnerships to expedite infrastructure investment. Robust support from national bodies such as SEDA, MPOB, and the Sabah Energy Commission. Raymond highlighted that biogas development transcends mere technological advancement; it represents a transformative opportunity to create green jobs, enhance energy access, and empower local communities in one of Sabah's most remote yet resource-rich areas. 'With the support of the BIMP-EAGA Special Envoy Tan Sri Pandikar Amin, we are committed to establishing Banggi as a pioneering example of rural energy transition—benefiting not only Sabah, but the entire BIMP-EAGA region,' quipped. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * 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
Borneo Post
04-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Blue Carbon mulled to lift villagers out of poverty
Dr Raymond Alfred with the local community during the groundwork in one of the villages in northern Sabah. KOTA KINABALU (May 4): The BIMP-EAGA Business Council (Sabah), under the leadership of chairman Dr Raymond Alfred, has called for a strategic and inclusive approach to eradicating poverty in the northern districts of Kota Marudu and Pitas. He urged immediate collaboration between large-scale oil palm and forest plantation companies and local communities to support a comprehensive Blue Carbon initiative that integrates environmental restoration with sustainable economic development. The proposed programme, centered on mangrove conservation, community-based protein harvesting and solar energy deployment, is a climate-smart model designed to simultaneously address environmental degradation and persistent poverty. Findings from a socio-economic study led by Dr Raymond revealed that most households in the area earn only RM500 to RM700 per month, relying mainly on subsistence agriculture and micro-enterprises. 'This is no longer a welfare issue, it's a structural economic crisis. The plantations surrounding these areas must see themselves not just as businesses, but as part of a broader community ecosystem,' Dr Raymond stated. He emphasized the need to involve these communities as beneficial stakeholders, enabling them to benefit from shared resources and sustainable income opportunities. Dr Raymond also challenged the effectiveness of the current cash handout schemes implemented by the government, arguing they fail to address the root causes of poverty. 'These periodic handouts offer no measurable long-term impact. Worse, they risk dividing already vulnerable communities due to a lack of transparent monitoring or equitable distribution. We need empowerment, not dependency,' he pointed out. Further, he criticized Parti Warisan's Wira chief, Terence Au, for making general policy suggestions without grounding them in local realities. 'As a Wira chief, he should understand the complexities on the ground. I urge him to engage more deeply before making broad, non-professional recommendations. I hope to initiate and implement this programme with Dato Verdon Bahanda, the Member of Parliament for Kudat soon,' he said. Dr Raymond stressed that issues such as land tenure insecurity, lack of basic infrastructure (including electricity, water and communications), and lack of sustainable employment must be addressed systematically. He proposed joint venture (JV) programmes with plantation companies and emphasized that solar energy is a critical enabler for improving food security and livelihood resilience — especially for communities without cold storage. As a major step forward, Dr Raymond formally invited the top 10 oil palm companies operating in North Borneo (Sabah) including IOI Corporation, Genting Plantations, Sawit Kinabalu, Wilmar International, FGV Holdings, and others to step forward and collaborate with the local communities. 'These companies have the resources, reach and responsibility to make a tangible impact. The BIMP-EAGA Business Council is prepared to initiate and coordinate a dedicated multi-stakeholder platform to make this happen, ensuring the initiative is community-driven, sustainable, and results-focused,' Dr Raymond said. He also called on government-linked institutions including the Sabah Forestry Department, Yayasan Sabah, SEDCO and Taman-Taman Sabah, to invest in youth training and entrepreneurship in Blue Carbon and sustainable resource management, positioning young people at the heart of Sabah's green economy transition. 'This isn't just about planting trees or installing solar panels. It is about restoring dignity, creating opportunity, and building a future where people and nature thrive together,' Dr Raymond concluded.
