2025 Malaysia–China Economic & Trade Cooperation Exchange Conference: A New Chapter of Cross-Border Collaboration

The 2025 Malaysia–China Economic and Trade Cooperation Exchange Conference brought together business leaders, policymakers, and industry associations from both countries for a day of strategic dialogue and partnership building. Held on 21 November 2025, the conference served as a high-level platform to deepen trade ties and explore new growth opportunities across agriculture, manufacturing, industrial development, and market expansion.

A Day Focused on Real Economic Linkages

The programme featured a full slate of speeches from influential representatives across Sabah and multiple provinces in China. Discussions centred on trade facilitation, agricultural innovation, industrial development, and new supply chain opportunities between Malaysia and China.

From Sabah’s POIC (Palm Oil Industrial Cluster) presentation to the perspectives shared by Jiangxi, Fuzhou, and Ganzhou delegates, the message was clear: both sides are ready to build stronger, more efficient, and more mutually beneficial commercial channels.

Adjunct Professor Jessie Jong Chung Jin, A.S.D.K

photo with Ms Stella General Manager of Horizon Hotel Kota Kinabalu

together with all the Mascot Icon at SICC 

The event concluded with tours of the expo, procurement matching sessions, and business networking, giving participants direct access to potential partners and distributors.

Highlight: Strategic Cooperation MOU Signing Ceremony

Adjunct Professor Jessie Jong Chung Jin, A.S.D.K

group photo with all the delegates together with Datuk Seri Panglima Yong Teck Lee - Sabah Former Chief Minister

A key milestone of the conference was the Strategic Cooperation Agreement signed between Henan Bairong Trading Co., Ltd. and its Malaysian partner.

The signing, held at 11:00 AM, formalised a three-year collaboration aiming to strengthen cross-border trade flows and expand market access for both sides.

In essence, this agreement is designed to remove bottlenecks, streamline cooperation, and open new frontiers for trade expansion between the two markets.

Why This MOU Matters

This partnership sets the tone for a more structured and long-term bilateral engagement. Instead of ad-hoc trading, the MOU anchors collaboration within a formal framework—giving both sides the confidence to scale up operations, invest in market development, and build a sustainable supply chain footprint in each other’s markets.

It also signals the rising relevance of Sabah as a hub for regional trade, especially in sectors like agriculture, consumer goods, and manufacturing.

A Step Toward Stronger Malaysia–China Economic Connectivity

A memorable photo with Embassy representative

The day’s events showcased the determination of both nations’ business communities to deepen cooperation. With the MOU now in place, the next phase will focus on execution: strengthening product flow, enhancing distribution networks, and creating win-win economic outcomes.

This conference was more than an event—it was a statement of commitment to a future built on shared growth, shared opportunity, and shared prosperity.

SABAH HOSPITALITY FIESTA 2025 AND INAUGURAL SOHEX OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED AT SICC

Kota Kinabalu, 21 November 2025 – The Sabah Hospitality Fiesta (SHF) 2025 and the debut Sabah Hospitality Expo (SOHEX) kicked off today at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), bringing together over 400 competitors, 140 exhibitors, and an expected 4,000 trade visitors for three days of competitions, networking, and innovation.

1st Photo

DATUK JOSIE LAI, PERMANENT SECRETARY • MINISTRY OF TOURISM, CULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENT SABAH

2nd Photo

DATUK SERI PANGLIMA WONG KHEN THAU, EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN • ASIAN TOURISM INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE

3rd Photo

MR KRISHNAN MOGAN, ORGANIZING CHAIRMAN

In his opening address, the Organizing Chairman highlighted the events' shared mission: celebrating Sabah's hospitality talent while sparking business growth and regional collaboration. What started over a decade ago as a modest competition among local hotel schools has evolved into a standout Southeast Asian hospitality gathering. This year, participants from more than 80 institutions will compete across 32 categories, including culinary battles, service challenges, barista showdowns, and pastry creations.

SOHEX adds a strong trade focus, with exhibition halls buzzing as suppliers, innovators, and investors explore partnerships to build a more sustainable hospitality ecosystem in Sabah.

Sabah's tourism sector is on an upward trajectory. In 2024, the state welcomed 3.2 million arrivals - a 28% jump from the prior year, with international visitors up 45%, led by China, South Korea, Brunei, and the Philippines. Targets for 2025 aim for 4 million visitors and RM9.5 billion in receipts. Travelers today seek authentic experiences: organic cocoa from Tawau, wild honey from the interior, responsibly sourced seafood from Semporna, plus seamless digital services wrapped in genuine cultural warmth. Events like SHF and SOHEX play a key role in nurturing talent and networks to deliver exactly that.

The Chairman extended gratitude to key supporters, including the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS), Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (KSTI), Sabah Convention Bureau, Sabah Tourism Board, and Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau. He urged KePKAS to commit RM100,000 annually to ensure the Fiesta's ongoing success as a premier platform for talent development.

Additional thanks went to SR Event for top-notch audio-visual setups; industry partners Nestlé, Bidfood, and BESS for premium ingredients and equipment; and strategic partner China Malaysia Commercial Operation Management (Henan) Co. Limited for bolstering ties to a major tourism market.

Calls were made for stronger collaboration to establish SHF and SOHEX as a fixed annual event on the national calendar, with a permanent secretariat in Kota Kinabalu.

The Aris Suites - Officially open for pre-launch viewings.

Nestled in the heart of Kota Kinabalu’s vibrant and fast-growing CBD, The Peninsula Kota Kinabalu redefines modern urban living with a visionary, all-in-one destination. It seamlessly brings together luxury residences, hospitality, workplace, retail, art, and leisure—beautifully enhanced by a thoughtfully crafted central park and scenic seafront boardwalks designed for community, connection, and everyday comfort.

Preview Exclusively

The Aris Suites show unit is now officially open for pre-launch viewings, offering an exclusive first look at what makes this development truly exceptional.

Step inside to explore refined interiors, intelligent spatial planning, and a contemporary layout that showcases the elegance, efficiency, and investment potential waiting within these future-ready suites.

Be among the first to experience this limited preview ahead of the official launch.

Schedule your private appointment today: +𝟔𝟎 𝟏𝟏 𝟕𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝟔𝟔𝟖𝟖

#PeninsulaKK #ArisSuites #Showroom

Yi Jia Kopitiam “Sabah’s Timeless Flavours Bringing You Home”

Yi Jia Kopitiam

“Sabah’s Timeless Flavours Bringing You Home”

“沙巴美食传承，回家的美好”

Who Are We? — Our Unique Selling Points (USP)

Yi Jia Kopitiam is a proudly homegrown Sabah brand dedicated to preserving the taste of tradition. For almost three decades, our family recipe has been passed down with care, creating flavours that feel familiar, comforting, and truly Sabah.

• We serve authentic heritage dishes crafted through years of refinement, ensuring every bowl carries the same warmth and quality Sabahans know and love.

• Honoured as the Borneo Role Model Enterprise Award 2024 winner, we continue to grow with integrity, consistency, and community at heart.

• We offer a fully ready-to-operate F&B brand, making it ideal for newcomers to the industry. Partners receive complete shop setup, operational SOPs, professional training, and trusted ingredient supply. This support system makes licensing or joint venture opportunities smooth, reliable, and scalable.

• More than a business, our mission is to safeguard Sabah’s culinary heritage while empowering aspiring entrepreneurs to build long-term, sustainable food ventures under a brand with proven success.

⸻

Our Branches

From one humble location to a growing network, we have proudly expanded to five branches across Kota Kinabalu, each serving the same signature taste and quality:

• Lido Plaza (HQ) — The heart of our operations and home of our original flavours.

• Wisma Merdeka — Conveniently located for city-goers and shoppers.

• BSA Kolombong — Serving growing communities with quick, hearty meals.

• Gaya Street — A vibrant spot for tourists and locals to enjoy classic Sabah comfort food.

• Uptown Penampang — A lively neighbourhood favourite, perfect for family and friends.

⸻

What Signature Dishes We Serve

At Yi Jia Kopitiam, every dish is prepared to evoke a sense of home — bold flavours, generous portions, and recipes rooted in tradition. Our most loved selections include:

• Ngiu Chap Curry Laksa — BEST SELLER

A rich fusion of Sabah-style beef noodles and creamy curry laksa, loved by locals and first-time visitors alike.

• Ngiu Chap (Sabah Beef Noodles)

A timeless favourite featuring tender beef cuts simmered in aromatic broth.

• Curry Laksa

Fragrant, creamy, and deeply satisfying — a comforting classic for any day.

• Tom Yam

Spicy, tangy, and refreshing, inspired by Southeast Asian flavours with a Sabah twist.

• Claypot Yee Mee

Warm, smoky, and flavourful, served bubbling hot in a traditional claypot.

• Salted Vege Tomato Fish Noodles

A light yet flavourful broth that balances tangy tomatoes and preserved vegetables with fresh fish slices.

• Chicken Chop Noodles

Crispy chicken chop paired with springy noodles — a crowd favourite for all ages.

Celebrating 25 Years of Hospitality Excellence at the Sabah Hospitality Fiesta 2025

Celebrating 25 Years of Hospitality Excellence at the Sabah Hospitality Fiesta 2025

Sabah’s most anticipated hospitality celebration returns bigger and stronger than ever!

From 21 – 23 November 2025 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), the 25th Sabah Hospitality Fiesta marks a major milestone—a quarter-century of achievements, talent development, and industry mastery.

This year’s edition brings an exciting fusion of culinary creativity, hospitality innovation, and vibrant experiences through the Sabah Savours Food, Drink & Hospitality Expo (SOHE)—a curated showcase featuring a mix of local and international brands.

SOHE 2025: A Feast of Live Cooking & Experiences

Visitors can expect an immersive journey filled with:

Live Cooking Sessions

Interactive Food Experiences

A curated selection of brands across food, beverage, lifestyle, and hospitality

Opportunities to engage directly with chefs, makers, and industry experts

For booth opportunities, contact:

📞 Ms Apple Tan: +6016 835 3888

📞 Ms Tan Zia Yi: +6016 804 2398

📧 sohexborneo@gmail.com

25 Years of Achievements & Hospitality Mastery

Honoring the theme “Our Heritage, Our Future,” SHF 2025 showcases exceptional talent through 25+ competition classes, including:

Patisseries

Black Box Cooking

Barista Skills

Mixology & Bartending

Housekeeping

Floristry

Concierge

And many more exciting team & solo events

Open to both Malaysians and non-Malaysians, as well as professionals and apprentices, all competitions are judged by WACS-certified and industry-expert judges, ensuring world-class standards.

Slots are limited. Register now:

📞 Ms Rennyajmar Farizuane Rosloy: +6010 438 0494

📞 Ms Mabel Cheong: +6012 829 1339

📧 shfsecretariat1996@gmail.com

Introducing the Esteemed Judges of SHF 2025

This year’s Fiesta proudly presents an exceptional panel of judges—each bringing decades of culinary mastery, service excellence, and hospitality leadership.

Led by Chief Judge Federico Michieletto, the committee includes renowned chefs, service professionals, pastry experts, educators, and industry veterans.

Their expertise ensures a fair, inspiring, and world-class competition environment—elevating every participant’s performance while nurturing the next generation of industry leaders.

The Spirit of Competition Begins

As Sabah celebrates 25 years of hospitality excellence, we welcome everyone—industry professionals, students, exhibitors, and the public—to be part of this historic edition.

🔥 The stage is set. The experts are ready.

Let the 25th Sabah Hospitality Fiesta 2025 begin! 🔥

#SabahHospitalityFiesta2025 #SHF2025 #SOHE2025

#CulinaryExcellence #HospitalityIndustry #SabahEvents #CelebratingTalent

MATA:DOR Opens Its Doors — And You’re Invited to Enjoy Exclusive Member Benefits!

The bold spirit of the matador has arrived in town — and it’s bringing sizzling flavours with it. MATA:DOR, the newest flame-grilled steakhouse inspired by Taiwan’s vibrant street-food culture, has officially opened its doors. Combining specialty cuts, smoky grill aromas, and generous Asian-fusion comfort sides, MATA:DOR reimagines how Malaysians enjoy steak, chicken, seafood and hearty meals.

But that’s not all.

To celebrate the grand opening, MATA:DOR is introducing FREE Membership for all customers — unlocking a lineup of exciting privileges that make every visit more rewarding.

Why Everyone’s Talking About the MATA:DOR Membership

MATA:DOR is not just a place to eat — it’s a place to feast, celebrate, and enjoy ongoing rewards. As a new member, here’s what you’ll enjoy:

1. Welcome Vouchers Bundle

Kickstart your foodie experience with a special set of welcome vouchers. Members get exclusive dining perks waiting to be redeemed — the perfect way to explore the menu and dive into your favourite grills.

2. Birthday Month Benefits

Your birthday month just got tastier!

Celebrate your special day with a personalised treat at MATA:DOR. Bring your loved ones, enjoy hearty meals, and make the moment truly meaningful.

3. Monthly Dining Benefits

Every month comes with something new.

From additional discounts to surprise complimentary dishes, members get ongoing perks designed to keep every visit exciting and worth looking forward to.

4. Members Loyalty Points

Every ringgit spent earns you points — and every point brings you closer to bigger, better rewards. Redeem gifts, food deals, and more as you continue dining with us.

Want ALL of These Benefits?

Easy — just sign up for our FREE membership!

No hidden fees. No extra steps. Just great food and greater rewards.

A New Flame-Grilled Experience in Town

MATA:DOR takes pride in serving freshly grilled meats — from juicy steaks to crispy chicken cutlets, seafood platters, and signature sizzling plates. Paired with comforting sides like rice, pasta, vegetables, eggs, and more, each plate celebrates the perfect balance of bold flavour and satisfying portions.

Whether you’re celebrating, bonding with friends, or simply craving a hearty meal, MATA:DOR offers a feast that impresses at every visit.

Visit Us Today & Start Your Membership Journey!

With a brand new space, a flavour-packed menu, and exciting membership rewards, MATA:DOR is ready to welcome food lovers from all walks of life.

Come for the food.

Stay for the rewards.

Feast like a matador.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐮𝐬

(𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣) +6088 888 913

(𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙨𝘼𝙥𝙥) +6019 828 8913 https://wa.link/nayzsp

𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

City Mall Shopping Centre, S-O-32, Ground Floor, Block F, Jalan Lintas, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

(Beside Celyn Hotel）

facebook.com/matador.my

FALALA – A Christmas Concert by Sing & Swing

Get ready for a night of festive joy and amazing music! Featuring Anthony Chang, Roger Wang, and Sabah’s Top Musicians like Travis Tan, Kai Ling Fung, Jerome Yek Raymond Voo Zhong Hao! Experience Christmas tunes brought to life with incredible singers, musicians, and a full hornline like you’ve never seen before!!

Date:12–13 December

Admission from 7:30 PM onwards

Tickets: RM20 (Early Bird until 23 Nov) | RM25 after

Family-friendly | Great music | Great vibes

Get your tickets now:

http://t2u.asia/e/46799

And don’t miss the fun earlier in the day!

Bazaar by Jesselton Artisan Market: 4 PM – 10 PM

Mini Recitals for Kids by Legato Music (13 Dec, Level 1): 

4 PM – 6 PM

Come celebrate Christmas with us at SkyArena, a Christmas to remember!

Introducing Newest Tenant: EverYours Dental Clinic at the Commercial Annexe

We are delighted to welcome EverYours Dental Clinic to the vibrant Jesselton Twin Towers community. Their arrival brings a fresh commitment to oral wellness, supported by a modern environment and a warm, patient-focused approach.

To celebrate their grand opening, @everyours_dental is offering FREE consultations and check-ups, along with an exclusive Airflow Scaling promotion designed to give visitors a refreshing start to their dental care journey.

Step inside a thoughtfully designed clinic created for comfort, care, and truly stress-free visits — from the welcoming ambience to the professional service that ensures every guest feels at ease.

 

📍 Level 2, Commercial Annexe, Jesselton Twin Towers

🕒 Operating Hours: 9:30am – 6:00pm

🗓️ Open daily | Closed on Tuesday

#jesseltontwintowers #jesseltoninternational #luyang #commercialannexe #kotakinabalu #sabah

Sabah Wellness Expo 2026 - Now Open For Participation

 

2-Day Showcase | 25–26 April 2026

Venue: SICC – Level 4, Sipadan Hall Foyer

Time: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Admission: FREE

Event Overview

The Sabah Wellness Expo 2026 is a two-day showcase dedicated to promoting health, healing, beauty, fitness, and holistic living. This event brings together wellness brands, practitioners, service providers, and lifestyle innovators to connect, engage, and inspire the public toward healthier living.

The expo provides the perfect platform to promote your products, introduce your services, and engage with thousands of targeted visitors.

Why Participate?

✔ Reach wellness-focused visitors

✔ Promote your products or services directly

✔ Build brand awareness and customer trust

✔ Network with industry players

✔ Opportunity for on-site sales & demonstrations

✔ Support Sabah’s growing wellness community

Ideal for businesses and practitioners from:

Beauty & Spa

Reflexology & Massage Centres

Holistic Practitioners

Spiritual Wellness

Traditional & Alternative Medicine

Fitness, Yoga & Movement

Healthy Food & Beverage

Herbal, Natural & Organic Products

Supplements

Skincare & Bodycare

Mental Wellness Services

Aromatherapy & Essential Oils

Eco & Sustainable Lifestyle Brands

To participate

editor@hellofavstyle.com 

011 7025 3692 (Alfred) Project Director

Quiet Mastery by Adjunct Professor Jessie Jong Chung Jin, A.S.D.K

In Malaysia’s rental landscape, where opinions can be loud and assumptions are often made quickly, Adjunct Professor Jessie Jong, ASDK has always taken a different approach. Her investment journey has never been driven by noise or trends but by careful observation and steady discipline. She realised at a young age that building stable passive income would eventually allow her to focus on the initiatives that aligned with her deeper purpose. That early insight became the foundation of how she approached property investment from the very beginning. Her understanding of Malaysia’s rental market grew from years of hands-on involvement, studying tenant behaviour, adapting to shifting conditions, and making the thoughtful decisions that protect long-term value.

This quiet mastery now forms the basis of her latest academic achievement: a published study on rental property management best practices for private investors in Malaysia. Appearing in the Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, the work originated from her 2023 Master’s dissertation but carries the maturity of someone who has spent years engaging directly with the realities of the market.

Her research offers more than theoretical observations. It reflects the genuine texture of rental management today, including how tenant expectations have changed, how digital habits are influencing renting behaviour, and why preventive care has become a defining part of responsible investment. These themes come from lived experience rather than distant analysis.

The study highlights a market that is gradually maturing. Renting a home is no longer a simple exchange. Tenants have become more discerning, market cycles influence decisions more sharply, and the emotional weight attached to a living space is stronger than many investors acknowledge. Those who treat rental management as a consistent and thoughtful practice, rather than a passive form of income, are the ones who remain steady over time.

Jessie’s writing reflects the same calm and grounded perspective she brings to her work. She avoids exaggeration and keeps her analysis clear and practical. Instead of offering dramatic conclusions, she provides a Malaysian viewpoint shaped by genuine experience. Her work recognises the responsibilities of both landlords and tenants and shows how clarity, communication, and consistency form the foundation of a healthy rental relationship.

Her publication arrives at an important moment. Conversations about strengthening Malaysia’s rental governance have become more common, and the sector is slowly recognising the need for clearer expectations and more professional practices. In this context, research informed by real experience holds particular value.

What makes this contribution distinctive is the intention behind it. Jessie did not publish for recognition. She published because the patterns she encountered over the years deserved to be organised and shared. Many private landlords face similar challenges without a structured point of reference, and her study offers exactly that. It is a way of transforming personal experience into knowledge that benefits others.

By bringing her investment background into the academic space, Jessie creates a bridge that many speak about but few truly build. The result is a piece of work that feels composed, sincere, and quietly authoritative. It is grounded in real situations yet presented with a clarity that invites understanding.

Her perspective carries a quiet confidence shaped by experience and expressed with deliberate clarity.

Published in the Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (MJSSH)
 Vol. 10 No. 10 (2025), 31 October 2025
 Article link: https://www.msocialsciences.com/index.php/mjssh/issue/view/90

Lucky Go E-Hailing App Officially Launched

Lucky Go, a proudly 100% Sabahan-developed e-hailing application, has been officially launched — marking a significant milestone as the first Sabahan e-hailing platform created to serve, support, and contribute back to the local community. 

This launch represents a new chapter in Sabah’s digital mobility landscape, empowering both drivers and passengers with a reliable homegrown solution.

With the tagline “Make Travel Simple | Safe | Affordable,” Lucky Go is dedicated to delivering a seamless, secure, and budget-friendly travel experience for everyone across Sabah, ensuring convenience and trust in every ride.

The YONO SuperApp — “You Only Need One”

Sabah Credit Corporation (SCC) proudly celebrates a monumental milestone with the launch of Sabah’s first-ever financial SuperApp — the YONO SuperApp.

This innovative platform marks a new chapter in Sabah’s digital transformation journey, introducing a comprehensive and interconnected ecosystem designed to make financial and lifestyle services accessible to everyone, anytime and anywhere.

The YONO SuperApp goes beyond traditional finance. It redefines convenience, inclusivity, and connectivity by offering an all-in-one digital ecosystem that integrates financial solutions with everyday lifestyle needs. From fishermen and farmers to entrepreneurs, professionals, and students, people from all walks of life can now enjoy the simplicity and efficiency of a single digital platform.

Through YONO, users can easily apply for loans, manage insurance, explore investment opportunities, and even prepare a will, all with just a few taps. Beyond finance, the app features YonoPay, an integrated e-wallet that enables safe and seamless cashless transactions — empowering users to spend, save, and grow smarter.

More than just an app, YONO embodies Sabah Credit Corporation’s vision of embracing the digital era while fostering financial inclusion, innovation, and economic empowerment. It reflects SCC’s continued commitment to ensuring the well-being of the people of Sabah and supporting the state’s progress towards a sustainable, technology-driven future.

Sanctioned by: State Government of Sabah
Powered by: Sabah Credit Corporation (SCC)


Empowering Financial Freedom
“A New Era of Convenience.”

How to Join TSFF as an F&B Merchant

Be part of The Signature Food Fest (TSFF) — Sabah’s most anticipated culinary showcase that celebrates creativity, flavour, and local food excellence. Joining as an F&B Merchant not only connects your brand to thousands of food lovers but also gives you access to exclusive marketing opportunities through TSFF’s digital and on-ground campaigns.

Follow these simple steps to get started:

1. Sign Up as a YONO Merchant

Begin your journey by filling out the YONO Merchant Sign-Up Form to register your business as a YONO merchant.
Once completed, proceed to the TSFF Online Form to officially confirm your participation in this exciting food campaign.

2. Submit Required Documents

Prepare and submit all necessary supporting documents as requested in the YONO Merchant sign-up process. These documents help verify your business information and ensure a smooth onboarding experience.

3. Complete Your Application

Make sure all forms and documents are properly filled and submitted.
Once received, our onboarding process usually takes 3–5 business days to review and approve your participation. You’ll be notified once your application is successfully completed.

4. Receive Your Welcome Kit & QR Code

After successful onboarding, you’ll receive your Welcome Kit and YONO QR Code, specially prepared for your outlet.
These materials will be delivered directly to you and will help you begin engaging customers through the TSFF campaign promotions.

By joining TSFF as an official F&B Merchant, you’ll gain visibility across media channels, connect with new customers, and be part of a community that celebrates Sabah’s vibrant food culture.