Ewon urges SMK Narinang alumni to venture into entrepreneurship, become strategic partners in Kadamaian development
KOTA BELUD, Dec 21, 2025 — Sabah’s Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport (MINDET), Datuk Ewon Benedick, has urged alumni of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Narinang to play a more active role in the industrial and entrepreneurial sectors, positioning themselves as strategic partners in driving economic development in Kadamaian.
He said stronger alumni participation in high-impact economic sectors would not only generate sustainable income but also help strengthen the people-centric economic ecosystem, particularly in rural communities.
“I hope SMK Narinang alumni will become part of Sabah’s industrial and entrepreneurial sectors, including here in Kadamaian, as direct contributors to local economic development,” he said.
Ewon, who is also Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III, was speaking at the opening of the Annual General Meeting of the SMK Narinang Alumni Association held at the school hall here on Sunday.
He said the Kadamaian Development Master Plan 2020–2035, introduced earlier, provides a long-term and holistic framework for the area’s development, in line with the Sabah First policy approach spearheaded by MINDET.
“At MINDET, my vision is to help more Sabahans earn sustainable incomes, either as business owners or as part of the workforce in the industrial and entrepreneurial sectors,” he said.
“I believe SMK Narinang alumni have significant potential to become part of this ecosystem.”
At the event, Ewon also presented a RM3,000 contribution to the SMK Narinang Alumni Association to support its administrative needs.
In a separate programme, he officiated the closing ceremony of the Under-12 Football Tournament organised by Sekolah Rendah Adventist (SRA) Rangalau in Kadamaian, which saw participation from teams outside the area.
“I am proud that mission schools continue to champion grassroots initiatives like this, which not only promote sports development but also strengthen community networks,” he said.
As part of continued support, Ewon contributed RM5,000 to SRA Rangalau to help equip football sports facilities, and reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining annual activity grants for all schools in the Kadamaian state constituency.
At the same event, he also presented additional prizes to the six teams that took part in the tournament.
