KOTA KINABALU: Neighbouring Kalimantan region, which will house the new Indonesian capital Nusantara in 2024, is expected to grow in coming years and will bring spillover effects to Sabah.

       Former chief minister Datuk Yong Teck Lee predicted that Kalimantan’s population will grow to 20 million in 15 years.

       He said with this, all sorts of construction materials and services will be needed.

       In terms of the stages of development, Kalimantan today is like China’s Guangdong 30 years ago before the latter was developed, he said.

       "So Kalimantan in 20 years’ time, will be like Guangdong today, a rich and prosperous province.

       "What remains now is for Malaysians, especially in Sabah and Sarawak, to adapt to the new normal - a rich and prosperous Kalimantan," he said at an Asia Pacific TOP Excellence Brand Committee (APC) event.

       Yong noted that Sabah was strategically located geographically and surrounded by prosperous nations, which played a part in aiding its economic development.

       "To Sabah’s east is the Philippines, a vibrant country of 110 million people where they will soon elect a new, strong and experienced team of president and vice-president that will continue the policies of the current government.

       "Stability and progress are what we should expect in our neighbour... I believe that their past conflicts in the southern Philippines are over.

       "And, to our north is China, the dragon that has awakened. I don’t think I need to convince you about China’s peaceful rise, the Belt and Road Initiative and the beneficial economic impact on Asean economies.

       "Consistent with the 'Prosper Thy Neighbour' concept, there is every reason to have confidence that Sabah will also prosper in the years to come," he added.

       Yong urged the business community of APC to see the economic potential in Sabah and help make the state an economic powerhouse.

       "As your members come from 18 countries and your association has offices in several cities, you can use your extensive network to trade with Sabah and bring investments here, and strengthen Sabah’s global business networking," he added.