Deputy Chief Minister II and Local Government and Housing Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, has called upon professional bodies to harness their creativity and collaborate with all stakeholders for the betterment of Sabah.
Sabah boasts natural beauty, a strategic location below the typhoon belt, and connectivity to key cities in Southeast Asia and East Asia, including China, Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Brunei.
It holds a significant geographic advantage, being strategically positioned within the BIMP-EAGA regional grouping alongside the Philippines, Brunei, and Indonesia.
This, combined with a population of about 300 million within the BIMP-EAGA region and accessibility to Japan, China, and Southeast Asia, offers immense potential for trade and investment.
Joachim also emphasized Sabah’s natural resources, earning it the nickname “The Tourism Haven.”
The state boasts iconic attractions such as majestic Mount Kinabalu, picturesque beaches, including Sipadan and Turtle Islands, and stunning sunsets that rival the best in the world.
With a well-educated workforce and a stable political environment, Sabah is an attractive destination for business expansion or headquarters.
The State Government, led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, has implemented business-friendly policies and regulations, accompanied by good governance, to ensure that business organizations can invest safely and profitably in Sabah.
Joachim urged architects and allied professions to prioritize green and environmentally friendly designs for houses, buildings, and landscapes that ensure sustainability for future generations.
He encouraged all stakeholders to work together to realize a common vision of development and prosperity within the framework of symbiotic regional economic cooperation.
Joachim expressed hope that events like the Borneo Architecture Festival (BAF) would facilitate the exchange of ideas and knowledge, ultimately strengthening the region’s economic development.
The seventh edition of BAF in 2023, themed “Built Environment for Sustainable Development,” is co-organised by the PAM Sabah Chapter and the Local Government and Housing Ministry, with support from the Sabah Tourism Board (STB).
BAF is an annual celebration in conjunction with World Architecture Day, serving as a platform for sharing, learning, and networking for all construction stakeholders, particularly architects.
