Sabah Bumiputera Chamber of Commerce (SBCC) Official Website

INTRODUCTION

SABAH BUMIPUTERA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (SBCC) was established in January 1972 under the Registrar of Societies Act of 1966. SBCC was formed upon the realization of the needs to be represented under a unified body to assist and promote successful participation of the local Bumiputera in business. Through the years, SBCC had managed to survive through the commitment of its members and the support of the Federal as well as the State Government. SBCC activities are diverse ranging from being a secretariat for its members, administering its various liaison offices throughout Sabah to promoting Bumiputra participation in business through training and other business investments.

SBCC objectives are stated under Section 5 of its Constitution as follows;

To successfully develop and expand Bumiputera businessmen and entrepreneurs participation in commerce, trade and manufacturing.
To prudently invest in any profitable trade, service or manufacturing ventures so that the profits can be used to effectively carry out SBCC activities; and
To assist its members in solving intricate business problems and to champion the rights and privileges accorded to Bumiputera under the laws of the country.

ORGANISATION AND OPERATIONAL STRUCTURES

SBCC is made up of the Supreme Council whose members are elected by the members to serve for a 3 years period. The President or the Yang DiPertua heads the organization. He is assisted by the Supreme Council members in formulating the future direction and providing guidelines for SBCC overall operation. The members also appoint an Advisor and Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees is responsible in looking after SBCC assets.

SBCC has more than 1500 registered members, comprising of mainly small business operators and contractors from all over Sabah. DPBS members comprise of individual and corporate members. Individuals must have a trading license to become members. Supreme Council approves all application to become members.

SBCC headquarter is located at WISMA BUMI at Jalan Gaya, Kota Kinabalu. Its liaison offices are located strategically throughout the State; in Tawau, Semporna, Sandakan, Kudat, Kota Belud, Keningau, Papar and Beaufort to help members who are residing in these places. A liaison office can be established upon the request of at least 50 members in a particular area. A liaison officer will be appointed from among the members of that area to manage the office and members.

SBCC Secretariat disseminates information, conducts seminars, training and gives advisory services to its members. This includes funding assistance available with the Federal Government through the financial institutions. SBCC assists members that require its assistance in getting such funding. SBCC organizes seminars to disseminate information to its members and the Bumiputera community at large in the major districts.

SBCC is instrumental in organizing the first SABAH BUMIPUTERA ECONOMY CONGRESS and co-organize the second congress. DPBS is involved as co-organizers in the annual SABAH INTERNATIONAL EXPO (SIE) as well as other exposition locally and regionally. SBCC believes in promoting its members products and services through such Exposition.

SBCC formation has opened up numerous opportunities for the local Bumiputera to participate in business. SBCC is commited in the realization of the MPPB (Masyarakat Perdagangan dan Perindustrian Bumiputera) objective and assist in Sabah development and progress.

SBCC participates in feasible business ventures through its corporate holding company called DPBS HOLDINGS SDN BHD and KONSORTIUM USAHAWAN KUBS SDN BHD. DPBS HOLDING SDN BHD acts as catalyst for SBCC members involvement in business and among its successful venture is the IPP in Tawau that pooled financial resources from 16 members to take up equity in the IPP project under the pilot IPP Investment Trust Scheme under DPBS HOLDING SDN BHD. DPBS HOLDING SDN BHD also sub-contracts projects to qualified SBCC members. Successful company had been sold to SBCC members through MBO. About 30 members pooled their resources under one roof, to or from KUBS.

SBCC other interests are in oil palm and cocoa plantations and shop-houses.

SBCC prepared its Blueprint in July 1995 with the help of IDS (Institute for Development Studies Sabah). SBCC undertakes a review of its activities from time to time through workshops and seminars, to deliberate and formulate new strategies and directions in line with the changes taking place around it.

The launching of its homepage on 31st July 2004 is a milestone towards creating awareness among SBCC members to go IT and use IT as a tool in their management and marketing. This homepage also provides a forum for the members to interact and network among each other to exchange information and trade enquiries.

BIMP-EAGA

SBCC is very much involved in BIMP-EAGA through the BEBC (Business Council). SBCC President is the current BEBC Chairman. BEBC Regional Office is located in Kota Kinabalu. BIMP-EAGA is a polygon made up of four countries namely Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines. BIMP-EAGA which has a population of more than 40 million provides a bigger market for SBCC members to markets or source products and services. SBCC is committed to BIMP-EAGA to make it a success. SBCC has been involved actively in the development of BIMP-EAGA and participates in its various working groups. SBCC has contributed a lot in getting ADB (Asian Development Bank) and Federal and Sabah State Government support and assistance.