Professor Datuk Dr. Kasim Hj. Mansor

Vice Chancellor

Universiti Malaysia Sabah Malaysia

Title: Economic Development Sustainability in Borneo

Economic development sustainability in Sabah is pursued through an integrated framework that balances economic, social, and environmental priorities. Since the launch of the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) in 2008, the state has focused on enhancing competitiveness across agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, education, and tourism, while addressing human capital development and socioeconomic disparities. Under the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026–2030), these efforts are reinforced by commitments to green growth, poverty reduction, sustainable infrastructure, and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Sabah also seeks to position itself as a regional green energy hub through the 2024 Biomass Policy, SOGIP, and clean electrification initiatives such as SabahRE2 and SE-RAMP 2040. Complementing this, the Blue Economy promotes marine biodiversity conservation and economic opportunities through protected areas management, while community and eco-tourism strengthen rural livelihoods and social inclusion. Enhanced connectivity via the Pan-Borneo Highway further supports regional integration and economic resilience. Collectively, these initiatives demonstrate Sabah’s strategic trajectory towards inclusive, balanced, and sustainable economic development in Borneo.

Biography:
Professor Datuk Dr. Kasim Hj. Mansor, JP, is a Professor of Economics and has served as the 7 Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) since 2022. He has held various positions, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) from 2009 to 2014, Dean of the Faculty of Business, Economics, and Accounting from 2020 to 2021, Dean of the School of Business and Economics from 2004 to 2009, Deputy Dean of the Postgraduate Centre from 2002 to 2004, and Head of the HE11 Program (Human Resource Economics) from 2001 to 2002. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Economics from Indiana State University, Terre Haute, USA, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Economics from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA. He is a member of the Sabah Economic Advisory Council (SEAC) appointed by the Chief Minister of Sabah and is also the Vice-President of the United Sabah Islamic Association (USIA). Professor Kasim's areas of expertise include Labor Economics, Economic Development, and Poverty Studies.