# Sabah creative economy and tourism development

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/sabah-creative-economy-and-tourism-development
> Updated: 2026-10-20T06:15:57.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Efforts in Sabah are focused on integrating the creative industry with tourism to drive economic growth. Initial initiatives included the 2026 OST Songwriting Competition led by KREATIF SABAH to support composers and performers, alongside the Rhythms of Kinabalu (ROK) 2026 program, which uses local folklore to promote Visit Malaysia 2026 and Visit Sabah 2027.

State officials have since called for greater collaboration between the government, industry players, and cultural associations. Key proposals include the establishment of the Tawau Creative Hub (Tawau C-Hub) to support local talent. Ministers emphasized leveraging digital innovation, film, and intellectual property, while also stressing the need for synergy between educational institutions and the tourism sector to preserve cultural heritage and improve hospitality services.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-20: Sabah officials urge collaboration to boost creative and tourism economies

Sabah leaders are promoting collaboration across the creative and tourism sectors to drive economic growth and prepare for the Visit Sabah 2027 campaign.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sabah-officials-urge-collaboration-to-boost-creative-and-tourism-economies

### 2026-10-05: Sabah promotes creative economy and cultural heritage

Sabah is promoting its creative and cultural sectors through OST songwriting competitions and the Rhythms of Kinabalu 2026 program to drive economic growth and tourism.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sabah-promotes-creative-economy-and-cultural-heritage

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Cite as: Sabah creative economy and tourism development. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/sabah-creative-economy-and-tourism-development