Asean travel meet as yearly event mooted
Published on: Sat, Jun 21, 2025 Text Size: Liew (4th right) with other guests and the organisers at the welcome dinner. From left: Dr Maklarin, Julinus, Wong, Lai, Eddy, Tan, Noredah, and Captain Fareh. Kota Kinabalu: Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Seri Christina Liew suggests that the inaugural Asean Travel Exchange 2025 (ATEX 2025) be made an annual event. She raised the subject to the applause of 500 delegates from 15 countries at the welcome dinner hosted by her at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru (Star) on Thursday. 'An event of this nature is conducive to promoting travel and cultural exchanges, making new connections, building rapport and strengthening existing ties among Asean member countries,' Liew said, while urging the President of the Federation of Asean Travel Associations (FATA), Datuk Tan Kok Liang, who was present, to look into her suggestion. For tourism growth, the Minister, who was the guest of honour, also proposed reciprocal visits among the 10 member countries, saying ASEAN tourism must seize new opportunities and create new adventures. Speaking to the delegates, Liew said: 'If it's your first time in Sabah, I encourage you to explore beyond the venue. From the iconic Mount Kinabalu, a symbol of strength and unity, to vibrant markets and islands full of life, Sabah welcomes you with more than just beauty; it offers unforgettable experiences. 'As Malaysia is the Chairman of Asean this year, ATEX 2025 serves as a reminder that our greatest strength lies in the unity of its people and purpose. It invites us to celebrate the bonds of friendship and shared purpose that bring us together.
Advertisement 'As the inaugural dinner of the Asean Travel Exchange, tonight also marks the beginning of a new tradition of unity through tourism.' The participating countries were Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, China, India, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan and South Korea. ATEX 2025 was jointly organised by Asean Tourism Association (Aseanta), Federation of AseanTravel Associations (FATA) and Malaysia Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS), Sabah Tourism Board (STB), Sabah Convention Bureau (SCB) and Tourism Malaysia. Strategic partners included AirAsia and Jetama Water. Among the guests were Permanent Secretary to KePKAS Datuk Josie Lai, Deputy Permanent Secretary I Mary Malangking, President of ASEANTA Eddy Krismeidi, President of MATTA Nigel Wong, and CEO of AirAsia Malaysia, Datuk Captain Fareh Mazputra. Also present were Chairman of Sri Pelancongan Sabah, Ken Pan, Director of Sabah Parks Dr Maklarin Lajim, Director of Sabah Wildlife Department, Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar, CEO of STB Julinus Jeffery Jimit, and CEO of SCB Noredah Othman. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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