KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s agro- and community-based tourism initiatives have been strengthened by the signing of a memorandum of understanding involving state associations and Taiwanese universities.
The Taiwanese institutions are the Dayeh University, National Chi Nan University, Nan Kai University of Technology and Lee-Ming Institute of Technology, as well as the Taiwan Agro and Rural Tourism Association.
Sabah was represented by the Kiulu Tourism Association, Tambunan Tourism Association, Persatuan Pengusaha Kopi Tenom Sabah, and Persatuan Komuniti Wanita Kampung Tambatuon Kota Belud.
Assistant state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who witnessed the signing of the MOU here on Wednesday (April 30), said the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) will facilitate the collaboration as part of its ongoing efforts to promote sustainable and inclusive tourism.
Bangkuai, who is also STB chairman, said the partnership aligns with the Sabah Maju Jaya development plan, in which agriculture and tourism are among the key pillars.
He emphasised the importance of agro-tourism in creating meaningful visitor experiences while supporting rural communities directly.
“STB has identified 51 agro-tourism products statewide and is piloting a digital data platform in Kiulu to improve rural tourism strategies,” he said.
He added that the collaboration with universities from Taiwan will build local capacity, promote knowledge exchange, and develop sustainable tourism projects rooted in local values.
Also present were STB chief executive officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit and Malaysia Talent Education and Industry-Academia Collaboration Association chairman Pang Thou Chong, acting on behalf of the Taiwanese signatories, among others.
