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Daily Express
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Kaamatan, Gawai fests strengthen Bornean ties
Published on: Tuesday, July 01, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 01, 2025 Text Size: Dr Joachim representing Hajiji at the event. PENAMPANG: The Kaamatan and Gawai festivals serve as more than just symbols of gratitude for the harvest season. They are also platforms to strengthen the bond between Sabah and Sarawak as fellow Bornean states, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. Speaking at the Kaamatan-Gawai Gala Dinner 2025 at the ITCC's Grand Ballroom last Saturday, Hajiji said the close relationship between both states must be preserved as the foundation for fostering unity and harmony among the multi-racial communities in East Malaysia. 'Sabah and Sarawak do not just share borders, but also the Bornean identity that is rich with culture, customs and traditions. We must strengthen this relationship for our mutual progress and prosperity,' he said. His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister II cum State Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam. Hajiji noted that the celebration of Kaamatan-Gawai symbolises consensus and appreciation for ancestral heritage, while strengthening the spirit of goodwill among the Kadazan, Dusun, Murut, Rungus, Iban, Bidayuh, Dayak and other indigenous communities. He said the cultural diversity of various ethnic groups in Sabah and Sarawak has become a tourism attraction capable of introducing local heritage wealth to the international level. 'Such celebrations can be held because of the peace and harmony we enjoy. Malaysians should be grateful to live in a country that prioritises racial unity and stability,' he said. He said unity and tolerance between races and religions remain the country's main strength, which is difficult to find in other nations today. 'Racial unity must be enhanced so that future generations understand that Malaysia is a country for all citizens regardless of background,' he added. Hajiji welcomed closer cooperation with the Sarawak government in various fields including economics, education, investment and cultural exchange, particularly involving youth participation. He said the State Government is also committed to empowering rural communities, protecting customary land and expanding access to education and digital services to ensure no citizen is left behind in the development stream. 'Every Sabahan deserves fair opportunities for mutual prosperity,' he said. He expressed appreciation to all parties who made the event successful, including artists, community leaders and volunteers who continue to keep alive the spirit of Bornean culture. 'May this celebration foster love, harmony and unite us for a brighter future,' he said. * 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
Bangkok Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Thailand, India set $35bn goal
Thailand and India plan to drive bilateral trade to reach US$35 billion by 2027 through improved connectivity by land, air and sea as well as reduced trade barriers. Bilateral trade between Thailand and India tallied $17.5 billion last year, up nearly 9% from the previous year, said Nalinee Taveesin, president of Thailand Trade Representatives, during "Connections & Converse: An Evening with the India-Thai Chamber of Commerce", held in Bangkok on Thursday at SILQ Hotel & Residence. Ms Nalinee said Thailand is seeking to leverage India's expertise in space technology, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, electric vehicles and software to enhance its emerging industries, particularly in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), along with its development of Thailand Silicon Valley. The India-Thai Chamber of Commerce (ITCC) has roughly 400 member companies, spanning major sectors such as jewellery, textiles, manufacturing and hospitality. Member companies include Indorama Ventures, Tata Consultancy Services (Thailand), Christiani & Nielsen (Thai) Plc, Rhenus Logistics, Bangkok Marriott Sukhumvit, Atlantic Food Products, and Siamese Co Ltd, highlighting the diverse economic landscape of firms doing business in both nations. She said the ITCC serves as a mechanism to strengthen cooperation between the private sectors of both countries. Ms Nalinee said the chamber functions as a bridge between the public and private sectors in fostering an environment conducive to investment and business operations. This effort aligns with the Thai government's vision to elevate Thai-Indian relations to the level of a strategic partnership. She was appointed chair of the subcommittee on promotion of the Indian tourist market, under the government's soft power policy. In collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand and related agencies, the subcommittee is preparing for the "Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2025", a nationwide celebration of Diwali scheduled for October. The festival is supported by the Indian Embassy in Bangkok and aims to become a magnet for Indian tourists and festival-goers from around the world. "Beyond the celebration of Indian culture, we will showcase the best of Thai products, services, tourist destinations, and cultural identity to create lasting impressions and stimulate economic growth across the country," said Ms Nalinee.
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
RM2 billion jobs for Sabah Oil and Gas firms
Published on: Sunday, June 29, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 29, 2025 By: Sherell Jeffrey Text Size: Masidi noted that Petronas has also agreed to take in Sabahans as interns, giving them valuable experience in oil and gas operations. PENAMPANG: Sabah oil and gas companies secured RM2 billion worth of work contracts in 2024, a three-fold increase that reflects growing confidence in local capabilities. This means more jobs and money in the industry now stay in Sabah, instead of benefitting outside companies. 'We scored RM2 billion last year and we hope that it is going to be more this year,' State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said in his keynote at the Oil and Gas Business Opportunities Forum held at the ITCC Grand Ballroom, Saturday. He also said those who compare Sabah's progress in the industry with Sarawak must bear in mind that the latter has 115 years more experience. 'Sabah and Sarawak are not an apples-to-apples comparison. Oil was discovered in Miri in 1910, so Sarawak is 115 years ahead of us. But we are running faster to catch up with Sarawak.' 'When our mind is focused on what needs to be done, things can get done quite well,' he said, adding credit is owed to the Commercial Collaboration Agreement (CCA), signed with national oil company Petronas in December 2021. The turnaround began when Sabah created its own oil and gas company, SMJ Energy, three years ago. Starting with just RM50 million from the State Government and 11 workers, the company now employs 30 people and made RM362 million profit last year. 'We started very, very skeletal. But within three years the company is now worth RM5 billion in assets,' said Masidi, who is also SMJ Energy Chairman. The key was keeping costs low while focusing on making money. Instead of hiring lots of expensive managers, SMJ Energy outsources specific jobs and only pays when work is completed. A big reason for the success is the Sabah Local Content Council, led by SMJ Energy's OGSE and Corporate Executive Director Terry Biusing. This group makes sure more contracts go to Sabah-based companies. 'We have a local content council chaired by Terry and for the last one year there has been a notable increase in the volume of contracts secured by local companies.' He acknowledged that local companies sometimes lack the technical skills for complex jobs. The State encourages them to partner with experienced international firms whereby the foreign company provides expertise while locals do the hands-on work and learn new skills. Masidi noted that Petronas has also agreed to take in Sabahans as interns, giving them valuable experience in oil and gas operations. The Business Opportunities and Challenges in Sabah's Oil and Gas Industry Forum: The Way Forward was hosted by the Kadazandusun Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) in conjunction with the Kaamatan Gawai celebration. The forum brought together business people from Sabah and Sarawak to share ideas and explore partnerships. * 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
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Daily Express
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Khairul Firdaus calls for generational shift in Moyog leadership
Published on: Sunday, June 22, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 22, 2025 By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: Khairul Firdaus (second right) with Ceasar Mandela (second left) and Datuk John Ambrose (right) during the launch gimmick at ITCC. PENAMPANG: GRS direct member Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan has urged a generational leadership shift in Sabah, particularly in Moyog, calling for new leaders with fresh ideas. He said Sabahans have been misled for too long and real change requires space for sincere, critical thinkers, during Moyog Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah AGM on Sunday. Khairul commended veteran Datuk John Ambrose for stepping aside to allow Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun to lead, describing it as a positive example of political renewal. He acknowledged GRS's uneven support across Sabah but said its reform-minded stance under Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor positions it well for the future. Ceasar Mandela said Moyog is ready to be a GRS stronghold, citing improved federal funding, reclaimed state powers, and key infrastructure gains under GRS. * 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
