KOTA KINABALU, September 2, 2026: The U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur today officially kicked off Freedom 250 Sabah, a three-day series of programs taking place across Kota Kinabalu from September 1 to 3, 2026, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence. The celebration is organized in partnership with the Sabah state government, the city of Kota Kinabalu, local organizations, and corporate sponsors.

From September 1 to 3, Tanjung Aru Library is hosting the travelling Freedom 250 Exhibition, Fulbright Malaysia and U.S. higher education outreach, STEM workshops supported by McDermott and ConocoPhillips, English Access Scholarship Program activities, and American Film Showcase workshops for emerging Sabahan filmmakers.

As part of the three-day program, prominent U.S. athletes are leading the Freedom 250 Sabah Football Clinic Powered by ConocoPhillips, engaging up to 500 young Sabahan footballers. Participating athletes include Shannon Boxx, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and FIFA Women’s World Cup champion; Tony Sanneh, a veteran of the 2002 FIFA World Cup; and Maren Hendershot McCrary, a former professional soccer player.

“At ConocoPhillips, we believe in supporting the communities where we live and work. Sabah is not only where we do business but a place we are proud to call home. As an anchor supplier of natural gas for the state, we help power Sabah’s growth while investing in programs that strengthen communities and create opportunities for young people. Through programs like the Freedom250 Sabah Football Clinic, we can help build a brighter and more resilient future for Sabah,” said Connor Dunn, President, ConocoPhillips Malaysia.

The embassy is also organizing American flag football clinics and mini tournaments for secondary school teachers and students. The activities promote teamwork, leadership, and healthy competition ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Games, which will feature flag football as an Olympic sport.

On September 3, the celebration will culminate in a family-friendly “Great American Sabah State Fair” and the Freedom 250 Fun Run at Padang Merdeka. From 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., the fair will feature American-style food, local vendors, contests, classic games, and a live performance by the U.S. Pacific Band comprised of Navy sailors from the U.S. and partner countries.

The program also features screenings of American classics including Back to the Future, Mission: Impossible, and The Incredibles at City Cineplex, City Mall, celebrating American storytelling, creativity, and technological innovation.

A centerpiece Freedom 250 Sabah Reception on September 2 will bring together Sabah government officials, business and civil society leaders, U.S. exchange program alumni, and community representatives. Representing the United States will be Cate Dillon, Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs, and David H. Gamble Jr., Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.

“Freedom 250 Sabah brings the story of America to life through education, sports, film, innovation, and community engagement,” said Chargé d’Affaires Gamble at the launch of Freedom 250 Sabah on September 2. “These programs celebrate the values and achievements that have shaped the United States while strengthening the longstanding friendship and growing partnership between Americans and Sabahans.”

Assistant Secretary Dillon said, “U.S.-sponsored programs, including exchanges, youth initiatives, and American Spaces, promote American excellence, innovation, and leadership while fostering dialogue and collaboration.”

The official launch at Tanjung Aru Library also included McDermott’s presentation of 10 laptops to Sekolah Menengah La Salle and Sekolah Menengah Lok Yuk in Kota Kinabalu.

“Freedom 250 provides an opportunity to celebrate the enduring relationship between the United States and Malaysia while highlighting the importance of investing in future generations,” said ‘Mahesh Swaminathan, Managing Director, McDermott Asia Pacific and Senior Vice President. “At McDermott, we are committed to creating long-term value in the communities where we operate. Our STEM workshop and laptop donation as part of this tour support that commitment by helping young people in Sabah gain access to technology and develop skills that will serve them in the future. We look forward to continuing to work with local communities and partners to support education, skills development and initiatives that create a lasting positive impact.”

The Freedom 250 celebrations coincide with the 22nd Pacific Partnership mission in Sabah. Approximately 400 U.S. service members and personnel from eight partner nations, including Australia, Japan, and the United Kingdom, are working with local communities on engineering projects, medical outreach, and disaster preparedness.

Together, Freedom 250 and Pacific Partnership demonstrate the breadth of U.S. engagement in Sabah and the shared commitment of the United States and Malaysia to expanding opportunity, strengthening resilience, and building stronger communities.