Ewon (third left) receiving a souvenir from Chester, witnessed by SAFVA committee members and officers from the Penampang Parliamentary Office.
PENAMPANG (July 15): The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) is ready to support entrepreneurs involved in Sabah’s growing creative industry, said its minister, Datuk Ewon Benedick.
He said agencies under the ministry are prepared to provide financing to creative sector players, particularly those involved in film, visual arts and digital content — sectors that hold strong potential for contributing to both the state and national economies.
“If creative industry entrepreneurs are organised under cooperatives, we can also extend financing specifically tailored to their needs,” he said.
Ewon encouraged the Sabah Film and Visual Association (SAFVA) to consider forming a cooperative to facilitate access to such financing.
He made the remarks after receiving a courtesy visit from SAFVA, led by its president, Chester Pang, along with secretary-general Jade Morris and Kota Kinabalu Zone chief Gregory Giting.
During the meeting, Ewon was briefed on the association’s initiatives and the challenges faced by local creatives, including access to financing, skills development and market opportunities.
“I also shared information about relevant ministry programmes that can support entrepreneurship in the creative sector. We want to see more youth involved in this field through strategic support and better access to funding,” he added.
SAFVA currently has 158 members, including producers, directors, behind-the-scenes crew and actors.
