SPEECH BY THE RIGHT HONOURABLE CHIEF MINISTER OF SABAH DATUK SERI PANGLIMA MUSA HAJI AMAN AT THE SOFT OPENING OF 1BORNEO JALAN SULAMAN, ON 8^TH JUNE, 2008

I am pleased to join you here today for the soft opening of the 1Borneo shopping mall, which is another exciting development in the outskirts of the fast growing Kota Kinabalu city. I wish to thank the organizer for the kind invitation and the opportunity to address all of you.

Forward planning by 1Borneo’s developer and confidence shown by retailers who have and who are keen to invest in this development is testimony that business prospects in Sabah have grown over the years. As you all know, tourism is one of several sectors that the State Government is actively pursuing in our efforts to further boost the local economy and create opportunities for the people. Our state is one that is blessed, as we have a range of natural sites and rich culture for travellers from all over the world to enjoy. Adventure seekers go jungle trekking, diving or climb Mount Kinabalu, while those who love culture, head out to the State Museum and to the interior to witness the rich hospitality of our more than 30 ethnic groups.

However, there are some tourists who prefer shopping holidays, and do travel long distances to regional cities such as Singapore, Manila, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok to purchase branded goods or to check out the latest bargains. To clinch a wider range of tourists, especially those who live within three to six hours flying time from Kota Kinabalu city, we must keep on striving to create new attractions, and malls such as 1Borneo, is one such product. As stated in the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) blueprint, tourism receipts are projected to increase from RM2.88 billion in 2006 to a whopping RM48.5 billion in 2025. We are confident that by diversifying our tourism products, this is a figure that is within reach at the end of the 18-year SDC period.

Through the SDC, infrastructure will be improved and one such initiative is the construction of the Low Cost Carrier terminal which has become a thriving hub, and the soon-to-be-completed extension of the Kota Kinabalu International Airport. A logistics strategy has also been outlined in the SDC blueprint to address the high cost of doing business in Sabah compared to other states in Malaysia. One such strategy is to lower freight and logistical costs by a progressive review of the Cabotage Policy for shipping, while increasing the cost competitiveness of ports in the state via alliances with other global port operators and shipping liners. These are just some efforts on the part of the government to support investment and the business sector.

We are also expecting urban migration to keep on rising, as youths from rural areas seek jobs in the city. Many young people are taking up skills training at government and privately run colleges, to meet the needs of the services sector. I would like to encourage retailers who set up shop in 1Borneo and other shopping malls in the city to provide opportunities for local youths to fill the more senior positions, such as that of supervisors and store managers. I am confident many of them have the potential to shine if given the chance and if given the right guidance.

I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage developers to be innovative and creative when it comes to designing malls. Break away from the shop lot mentality and explore fresh ideas and unique architecture to make shopping a more enjoyable experience for your customers. The street mall design which the developer of 1 Borneo has successfully implemented at Warisan Square, is a concept that creates a relaxed atmosphere and an ambience of comfort for shoppers. Perhaps developers could even look into copying designs of unique architecture found in the diverse cultures in the state, or opt to decorate walls with woven traditional material and even paintings which depict the lifestyle of rural communities.

Sabah is also known for its rainforests, rivers and pristine waterfalls. In view of this, developers should explore the idea of creating green malls with lanskaping and ponds within and surrounding the development. In addition, developers must strive to make malls friendly to disabled shoppers by providing larger aisles, ramps for wheelchairs and toilets which cater to the disabled. In this regard, I commend the developer of 1Borneo for having taken this factor into account.

With escalating costs of fuel and other energy resources, I also urge developers to carefully study the possibility of incorporating energy efficient and alternative sources of power to run their establishments. I also hope the management of shopping malls monitor closely how resources such as electricity and water are used, and strive to minimise wastage. Costs saved can then be passed on to shop owners who can then keep their prices as low as possible.

I was made to understand that 1Borneo will see world class and regional reputable brands such as Rolex, Esprit, Arthur Yen and the flagship Tune Store opening base here. Tune Hotel has also decided to come into 1Borneo, its second establishment after the one in Kuala Lumpur. Golden Screen Cinemas has also come into this hypermall, in addition to a string of cafes and restaurants which will all offer a range of reasons for locals to patronise 1Borneo. I am positive that 1Borneo is poised to place Sabah on the map and elevate Kota Kinabalu’s status as a premier shopping destination in the region.

On that note, I would like to congratulate the developer and those who have worked hard in the last few years to translate the concept for 1Borneo from the drawing board into reality. Well done, and I wish you more success in your future endevours.

Thank you.