BIGSABAH Trade Connect
Beyond Borders -
Expanding ASEAN Trade Linkages
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BIGSABAH Trade Connect is a high-impact regional trade forum designed to foster greater cross-border collaboration, market access, and policy dialogue between public and private sector stakeholders across ASEAN and beyond.
Staged as a concurrent programme to BIGSABAH Sale 2025, this full-day forum brings together policymakers, trade enablers, certification bodies, regional delegations, and SMEs to explore practical solutions and real-world opportunities that can strengthen Sabah’s role in the ASEAN supply and trade ecosystem.
This initiative is anchored by SICC’s mission to position Sabah not only as a destination for tourism and events; but also as a rising regional trade and business hub within the East ASEAN region.
Why BIGSABAH Trade Connect?
The creation of BIGSABAH Trade Connect is driven by three core needs:
Bridge the Trade Gap Many SMEs, both local and regional, struggle to access new markets due to limited knowledge of trade regulations, branding strategies, and certification requirements. This forum helps close that gap by providing the insights and access they need.
Strengthen Regional Linkages With Sabah’s strategic location between Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Peninsular Malaysia, there is a unique opportunity to foster bilateral and multilateral trade, particularly within the East ASEAN region.
Support Inclusive Growth The forum promotes sustainable and inclusive participation by advancing SME development, empowering women-led enterprises, supporting halal exporters, and highlighting the creative economy – sectors often underrepresented in traditional trade platforms.
Audiences
BIGSABAH Trade Connect is designed for:
- SMEs & MSMEs seeking to expand into new markets, access government incentives, and learn from trade experts.
- Government agencies involved in trade, SME development, halal regulation, and cross-border cooperation.
- Trade & investment promotion bodies looking to showcase their markets and connect with potential partners.
- Business associations supporting regional economic growth.
- Export-ready enterprises in key sectors such as F&B, wellness, lifestyle, halal goods, and creative industries.
- Academia & policy think tanks with an interest in ASEAN economic integration.
Why Regional Expansion Matters
ASEAN is increasingly shifting towards intra-regional trade, and East ASEAN economies – including Sabah, Kalimantan, North Sulawesi, and Mindanao – hold significant untapped potential for crossborder collaboration.
Sustained trade recovery depends on innovation, digitalisation, and inclusive market access, particularly for SMEs.
High-growth sectors such as the halal economy, wellness exports, and creative services offer complementary strengths across Sabah and its neighbouring regions.
Strategic platforms like BIGSABAH Trade Connect provide neutral ground for public–private cooperation, business matching, and the development of long-term trade linkages.
B2B TRADE MATCHING
Saturday, 1 November 2025 | 1:45 PM – 3:30 PM
Format
Curated One-to-One Meetings & Open Networking
Target Participation
Up to 100 pre-registered SMEs and trade partners
Objective
The B2B Trade Matching segment of BIGSABAH Trade Connect is structured to transform dialogue into tangible opportunities. It serves as a strategic platform for SMEs to engage with regional and international trade partners, agencies, and service providers. With a focus on expanding market access, the session is particularly tailored for export-ready and growth-stage SMEs across East ASEAN and the Asia Pacific.
How It Works
Curated One-to-One Meetings (by appointment): 15–20 minute sessions at pre-assigned tables, matched by sector, product category, and export readiness. Each SME will receive a tailored shortlist of buyers or partners.
Open Networking: Flexible opportunities to meet additional participants and explore broader business connections.
Sectors Covered
- Food & Beverage (F&B)
- Halal Products
- Wellness & Herbal
- Lifestyle & Handicrafts
- Creative & Media Services
- Logistics & Distribution
B2B TRADE MATCHING
30 October 2025 | 1:45 PM – 3:30 PM
Format : Curated B2B Meetings & Open Networking
Target Participation : Up to 100 pre-registered SMEs and trade partners
Objective
The B2B Trade Matching segment of BIGSABAH Trade Connect is designed to translate dialogue into opportunity. It serves as a practical platform for SMEs to meet, connect, and initiate business discussions with regional and international trade partners, agencies, and service providers.
This session supports our goal of enhancing real market access, particularly for export-ready and growth-stage SMEs from across East ASEAN and Asia Pacific.
Structure & Format
The B2B session will be structured into two key formats to ensure effectiveness and flexibility.
CURATED ONE-TO-ONE BUSINESS MATCHING (By Appointment)
Format : 15–20 minute time slots per match
Location : Pre-assigned meeting tables based on sector or interest
Matching Criteria : Based on pre-submitted SME profiles, sector alignment, product category, and export readiness
Facilitation : Each SME will receive a shortlist of matched buyers or partners, curated by the organising team
Sectors Covered
- Food & Beverage (F&B)
- Halal Products
- Wellness & Herbal
- Lifestyle & Handicrafts
- Creative & Media Services
- Logistics & Distribution
Outcome : SMEs initiate potential commercial or strategic partnerships with buyers, distributors, agents, or collaborators
Expected Outcomes
- Initiation of commercial discussions and cross-border partnerships
- Identification of new distributors, sourcing partners, or OEM producers
- Strengthened linkages between Sabah-based SMEs and the wider ASEAN market
- Foundation for long-term collaboration agreements, facilitated by trade bodies
SME Participation Guidelines
Eligibility : Limited to 100 SMEs who are participating in the BIGSABAH Sale 2025
Priority will be given to SMEs who:
- Are export-ready or currently exporting
- Represent high-growth potential sectors
- Submit full company profiles and product/service information before 1 October 2025
How to Register?
Submit your form and documents to clara.lim@siccsabah.com with the email subject line: BIGSABAH Sale B2B Registration.
Note:
The BIGSABAH Trade Connect 2025 programme, including the B2B Trade Matching session, is currently in development and subject to final confirmation. All scheduled activities, session details, and participation formats may be revised by the organiser. Updates will be communicated in due course.
BIGSABAH Trade Connect
Date : Saturday, 1 November 2025
Time : 09:00am to 02:00pm
Venue : Kinabalu Room, Level 5, SICC
Format : Dialogue - theatre-style sitting (B2B session)
* By invitation only
BIGSABAH Sale Secretariat
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