Sabah officials urge collaboration to boost creative and tourism economies

Sabah state ministers are calling for increased collaboration between the government, industry players, and cultural associations to strengthen the state's economic sectors.

Datuk Nizam DSP Abu Bakar Titingan, Minister of Youth Development, Sports, and Creative Economy, emphasized the potential of the creative industry to drive growth through digital innovation, film, music, and intellectual property. He noted that Malaysia's creative industry contributed RM130.7 billion to the national economy in 2024, accounting for 6.8 percent of the GDP. The Sabah Creative Association (KREATIF SABAH) has proposed the establishment of the Tawau Creative Hub (Tawau C-Hub) to support local talent.

In a separate effort to bolster the tourism sector, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment Datuk Jafry Ariffin highlighted the importance of synergy between educational institutions and industry players ahead of the Visit Sabah 2027 campaign. The focus remains on preserving local cultural heritage and improving hospitality services to enhance the visitor experience.