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Daily Express
3 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Explore rural tourism, businesses told
Published on: Wednesday, July 16, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 16, 2025 Text Size: Kota Kinabalu: Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Joniston Bangkuai has encouraged business leaders to explore tourism related opportunities in rural areas to complement the growing industry in urban centres. He said rural tourism is emerging as a key focus for Sabah and presents untapped opportunities for business involvement. Advertisement Many rural communities, he noted, have already taken the lead in developing community-based tourism, and further support from the private sector would help strengthen and expand these grassroots efforts. Joniston, who also chairs Sabah Tourism Board (STB), said increased business activity in rural areas would contribute to local income opportunities, support overall rural development, and enhance the quality as well as sustainability of existing tourism initiatives. He gave these remarks during a meeting with Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCI) members, led by its President Datuk Michael Lui, who also presented a token of appreciation to Joniston during the session (pic) . The meeting touched on various matters, including tourism recovery and the importance of collaboration between the government and private sector in supporting events and destination promotion. Michael thanked the Ministry and STB for promoting golf tourism and for the support given to KKCCI's golf event in May, while also commending their continued efforts to bring more tourists into Sabah, which he said has helped boost business confidence in Kota Kinabalu. He noted that the current momentum in tourism is encouraging, especially post-pandemic, and said local businesses are feeling the positive effects, with hopes for continued collaboration to attract both international and domestic tourists to Sabah. Michael also welcomed the call to explore rural areas, stating that the business community is open to supporting initiatives that can create new business opportunities while contributing to broader tourism development. * 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. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah returns to showcase birding wonders at UK
MOU between Sabah Bird Watchers Association and the World Pheasant Association. From left to right: John Corder (WPA Vice President), Geoffrey Davison (WPA Head of Science Committee), Barbara Ingman (WPA Admin), Ronald Pudin (President of the Sabah Bird Watchers Association) and Tan Kok Liang (Deputy Chairman of Sabah Tourism Board). KOTA KINABALU (July 13): Sabah returns to the Global Bird Fair 2025 with a key milestone, as the Sabah Bird Watchers Association (SBWA) formalises a strategic partnership with the World Pheasant Association through a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU, signed following SBWA's inaugural participation in last year's fair, is expected to open up meaningful opportunities for scientific collaboration, bird conservation programmes, and the hosting of international birding events in Sabah. The Sabah delegation to this year's event, held from 11th to 13th July at Lyndon Top Caravan Park in Rutland, is led by Sabah Tourism Board (STB) deputy chairman Datuk Tan Kok Liang, joined by STB officers and a dynamic team of nature tourism and birding advocates. Representing Sabah under the STB umbrella are prominent industry players including Tabin Wildlife Resort, Borneo Trails, Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Borneo Eco Tours and 1 Stop Borneo. They are joined by representatives from SBWA and the Penampang Tourism Association, strengthening efforts to promote Sabah as a premier birdwatching destination in Southeast Asia. Tan said the singing of MoU demonstrates how active participation in international platforms like the Global Bird Fair can lead to meaningful outcomes for Sabah, particularly in birding tourism. 'This strategic partnership reflects Sabah's serious commitment to biodiversity conservation while strengthening our position as a nature-based tourism hub. 'We are proud to support SBWA's growing role on the global stage, and we welcome future collaboration with the World Pheasant Association that will bring long-term benefits to our environment and rural communities,' he said. Appreciation was also extended to renowned naturalist Quentin Phillipps for facilitating the introduction between the SBWA and WPA, as well as to WPA Vice President John Corder, who visited Sabah earlier this year as part of ongoing engagement efforts. The Global Bird Fair gathers thousands of birdwatchers, nature lovers, and tourism professionals, from around the globe. Last year, the three-day event recorded an estimated 10,000 visitors. The UK alone is home to approximately six million registered birdwatchers, offering Sabah a significant niche market. Royal Brunei Airlines joins STB at Stand S38 in the Swallow Marquee, symbolizing a strategic partnership to provide enhanced flight connectivity for birdwatchers from the UK and beyond. This collaboration aims to ease access to Sabah's lush rainforests and bird-rich habitats. STB chief executive officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit said birdwatching is one of Sabah's hidden gems, and the state's participation in the Global Bird Fair is a step towards unlocking its full potential on the international stage. 'With over 680 bird species and an incredibly high rate of endemism, Sabah offers a rare opportunity for birders to experience something truly unique. This isn't just birdwatching, it's an immersion into one of the world's richest biodiversity hotspots. 'Our collaboration with Royal Brunei Airlines serves as a strategic move to open Sabah's skies to birders from the UK, Europe, and other international markets. We are making it easier than ever for eco-travellers to discover Sabah's majestic landscapes, indigenous cultures, and its incredible avian treasures. Naturally Inspiring, Beyond Ordinary when Nature meets adventure. 'Sabah is ready. Our partners are passionate, our communities are involved, and our birds are waiting' added Julinus. Sabah's presence at the Global Bird Fair 2025 reflects its ongoing commitment to growing niche tourism segments, promoting sustainable travel, and positioning itself as a must-visit birding destination in the heart of Borneo.
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Sabah makes impact at Global Bird Fair 2025 with new MoU
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is making a significant impact at the Global Bird Fair 2025 with the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Sabah Bird Watchers Association (SBWA) and the World Pheasant Association (WPA). This is a step forward in positioning the state as a premier birdwatching destination. The MoU, signed following SBWA's debut at last year's fair, lays the foundation for scientific collaboration, bird conservation efforts, and the potential hosting of international birding events in Sabah. Leading the delegation is Sabah Tourism Board (STB) deputy chairman Datuk Tan Kok Liang, joined by STB officers and nature tourism advocates. Also representing Sabah are key eco-tourism players such as Tabin Wildlife Resort, Borneo Trails, Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Borneo Eco Tours, and 1 Stop Borneo, along with SBWA and the Penampang Tourism Association. Tan then added in a statement issued on Sunday (July 13) that the partnership highlights the tangible benefits of engaging in global platforms like the Global Bird Fair. 'This MoU reflects Sabah's serious commitment to biodiversity conservation and strengthens our position as a nature-based tourism hub. We are proud to support SBWA's growing international presence and look forward to the long-term impact of this collaboration,' he said. Special appreciation was extended to naturalist Quentin Phillipps for facilitating the introduction and to WPA Vice President John Corder, who visited Sabah earlier this year to further engagement. With over 10,000 visitors annually and six million registered birdwatchers in the UK alone, the fair presents a major niche market opportunity for Sabah. Royal Brunei Airlines joins STB at Stand S38 in the Swallow Marquee, symbolising a strategic effort to improve flight connectivity for birdwatchers travelling to Sabah. STB chief executive officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit described birdwatching as one of Sabah's hidden gems. 'With over 680 bird species and high endemism, Sabah offers a rare experience for birders. It is not just birdwatching, it is immersion in one of the planet's richest biodiversity hotspots. 'Through our collaboration with Royal Brunei Airlines, we are making Sabah more accessible to eco-travellers from the UK, Europe, and beyond. Naturally Inspiring, Beyond Ordinary, where nature meets adventure. 'Sabah is ready. Our partners are passionate, our communities are engaged, and our birds are waiting,' Jimit added.
Borneo Post
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
RWMF 2025 diverts over 1.5 tonnes of waste in push for sustainable festival management
One of the green warriors of RWMF pick up rubbish on the festival ground. – Photo from STB KUCHING (July 9): The recently-concluded Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2025 generated a total of 3,543.3 kilograms of waste, with 1,550.0 kilograms or 31.3 per cent successfully diverted thanks to robust waste management systems and the collective effort of eco-conscious attendees and partners. Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) chief executive officer Sharzede Salleh Askor in a statement today highly commended the festival-goers for their increased environmental consciousness this year. 'The festival's success in maintaining a pristine environment over the three days wouldn't have been possible without the incredible support from our attendees. 'Your commitment to properly disposing of waste in the designated bins was exemplary and greatly appreciated,' she said. She also extended STB's gratitude to Trienekens Sarawak for providing the crucial waste segregation bins, which were instrumental in diverting waste from landfills. 'It was a fantastic demonstration of community and collaboration for a greener festival,' she said, adding this effort synced with RWMF 2025's theme 'Connections: One Earth, One Love which not only celebrated diverse music and cultures but also reinforced a deeper appreciation for environmental stewardship. Sharzede also said the RWMF looks forward to building on this year's achievements, continuing to set a benchmark for sustainable event management in the region According to the statement, among the diverted waste this year and recycled were 215.7 kilograms of old corrugated containers (OCC) and paper, 410.8 kilograms of plastic, 271.0 kilograms of metal, and 225.0 kilograms of glass. In addition, 21.9 kilograms of used cooking oil were responsibly recycled, and a commendable 413.6 kilograms of food waste were turned into compost. General waste stood at 1,976.3 kg. In comparison, STB said the RWMF 2024 edition recorded 4,581.72 kilograms of waste, with 1,712.7 kilograms – over 37 per cent – diverted. STB said while the figures vary year to year, the RWMF successfully maintained a waste diversion rate above 30 per cent, underscoring consistent efforts toward environmental sustainability regardless of scale. RWMF 2025 Sarawak Tourism Board Sharzede Salleh Askor STB waste management
The Sun
07-07-2025
- The Sun
Sabah tourism earns RM3.3bil in receipts for the first five months of 2025
SEMPORNA: Sabah's tourism sector has shown strong growth in the first five months of 2025, generating RM3.3 billion in tourism receipts from 1.44 million visitor arrivals. The state's improving security and international appeal have contributed to this upward trend. Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai credited the rise in tourist numbers to enhanced security measures, particularly the efforts of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom). He noted that Sabah has had no kidnapping-for-ransom incidents in recent years, reinforcing its reputation as a safe destination. 'This complements the continuous efforts of the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) to position Sabah as a safe and welcoming destination,' he said. According to STB data, international visitors made up 559,150 arrivals, while domestic tourists accounted for 879,420. China remained the leading international market with 243,688 visitors, followed by South Korea with 76,685. European arrivals also saw a significant increase, rising by 25.6 per cent to 35,240 visitors. The United Kingdom and Ireland led with 13,910 arrivals, followed by Germany (3,854) and France (2,750). The United States contributed 9,356 arrivals, while Canada recorded 2,949. - Bernama
