CCI France Malaysia (CCIFM) successfully concluded a Business Delegation to Sabah from 23-26 June 2026, bringing together more than 50 participants representing 25 French and Malaysian companies in conjunction with the Sabah Oil, Gas & Energy Conference and Exhibition (SOGCE) 2026. The initiative reflects the growing interest of French companies in Sabah and their commitment to strengthening their presence in East Malaysia.
With more than 600 French companies established in Malaysia, the delegation provided a platform to explore new business opportunities, engage with key stakeholders and gain deeper insights into Sabah's economic and industrial development. Organized with the support of local partners and stakeholders, the two-day programme featured presentations and dialogue sessions with Invest Sabah and the Strategic Planning Energy Commission of Sabah, as well as visits to Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park and Sapangar Bay Port, providing delegates with valuable insights into the state's investment landscape, development priorities and future growth plans.
Participants also visited strategic infrastructure and energy-related facilities, offering first-hand exposure to Sabah's growing industrial ecosystem and reinforcing the state's position as an increasingly attractive destination for investment and business expansion. "Sabah presents significant opportunities for international collaboration and investment. Through this delegation, we aim to strengthen connections between French and Malaysian stakeholders while creating long-term partnerships that contribute to Sabah's economic development," said Richard Fostier, President of CCI France Malaysia.
Following the business mission, CCIFM participated in SOGCE 2026 through the CCI France Malaysia–TotalEnergies Pavilion, bringing together leading French companies and showcasing French expertise across the energy, engineering, environmental, telecommunications and industrial sectors. The Pavilion initiative was made possible through the support of TotalEnergies, whose sponsorship enabled CCIFM to create a collective French presence at SOGCE and facilitate the participation of French SMEs and industry players. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to supporting the development of the French business community in Malaysia and promoting French expertise within Sabah's growing energy ecosystem.
The Pavilion featured TotalEnergies, Iraya Energies, SeaOwl, P&A, Enviros, Botanickel, IEC Telecom, BIO-EX and 3C Metal Asia, highlighting the diversity of French solutions and capabilities serving the energy industry. On 26 June 2026, the Pavilion was honored by the visit of His Excellency Marc Abensour, Ambassador of France to Malaysia, who met with participating companies and reaffirmed France's support for stronger economic and business relations between France and Malaysia, including the development of partnerships in Sabah.
To further encourage exchanges between industry stakeholders, CCIFM also organized an exclusive networking cocktail at the rooftop of Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu, sponsored by IEC Telecom. As a leading provider of satellite communications and managed connectivity solutions for the maritime, offshore, energy and remote industrial sectors, IEC Telecom welcomed delegates, exhibitors, government representatives and industry leaders for an evening dedicated to networking and business discussions.
Through its business delegation and participation at SOGCE 2026, CCI France Malaysia continues to support French companies in Malaysia, foster business partnerships and contribute to the development of new opportunities between France and Sabah. For business leaders, this delegation signals Sabah's rising prominence as a destination for foreign investment, particularly in energy and industrial sectors, and highlights the strategic value of partnerships between French and Malaysian entities in driving regional economic growth.
