The Penampang Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCCI), led by its President, Datuk Ling Tiong Chai, was urged to be proactive in tapping into the vast business potentials offered by China's ‘One Belt One Road' initiative.

This is so as to benefit its members, and essentially boosting the economy of the state, its Honorary Life Advisor Datuk Francis Goh said on Saturday. He was speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of its 10th Executive Committee held at the Putera Theatre Ballroom in Bukit Padang.

For a start, Goh proposed that PCCCI forms a strategic alliance with its members to strengthen their financial position, besides capitalising on their unique assets such as the ability to speak many languages including Mandarin.

"This (ability to speak Mandarin) will be a great advantage for us to foster a better collaboration with investors from China" he said.

Goh, who is also Sabah MCA deputy chairman cum Penampang MCA chief, also emphasised on the need for the Chinese business community in the state to constantly upgrade themselves in their approach of doing business.

This is so that they could catch up with the rapid advancement of technology, for example, the recent introduction of Alipay as a payment option in Malaysia.

"In future, people will no longer use their credit card to make payment but through payment option like Alipay, like what's happening in China now.

"And in the very near future, the physical shops will be taken over by the e-commerce conducted online.

"Hence, we will have to establish better business networking through the multimedia, and not just sitting in the shop waiting for the customers to step in" he said.

Goh also acknowledged that the main attractions that Sabah has to offer to China investors are the tourism industry, international trade and agriculture products.