KOTA KINABALU, 15 May 2025 — In a strategic move to strengthen its agro- and community-based tourism initiatives, Sabah has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with five leading Taiwanese universities, paving the way for academic collaboration and rural tourism development.
The MoU was signed last week at the Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu, witnessed by Sabah’s Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who also serves as Chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board (STB).
The Taiwanese institutions involved in the agreement are Dayeh University, National Chi Nan University, Nan Kai University of Technology, Lee-Ming Institute of Technology, and the Taiwan Agro and Rural Tourism Association.
Four key associations represented Sabah: Kiulu Tourism Association, Tambunan Tourism Association, Persatuan Pengusaha Kopi Tenom Sabah, and Persatuan Komuniti Wanita Kampung Tambatuon Kota Belud. The STB will facilitate this cross-border collaboration, which forms part of the state’s broader mission to promote sustainable and inclusive tourism.
Datuk Joniston highlighted that the initiative aligns with the Sabah Maju Jaya development blueprint, which identifies agriculture and tourism as critical growth sectors. He emphasized the role of agro-tourism in delivering immersive visitor experiences while providing tangible benefits to rural communities.
“Agro-tourism plays a pivotal role in strengthening our tourism offerings and rural livelihoods. Through this collaboration, we aim to enhance local capabilities, foster knowledge exchange, and design sustainable tourism projects grounded in community values,” he said.
Joniston also revealed that STB has identified 51 agro-tourism products across the state, with a digital data platform currently being piloted in Kiulu to streamline and enhance rural tourism planning.
Among those present at the signing ceremony were Deputy Permanent Secretary I of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Mary Malangking; Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Sabah Rural Development Ministry, Patricia Vain; STB Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit; and Pang Thou Chong, representing the Malaysia Talent Education and Industry-Academia Collaboration Association on behalf of the Taiwanese delegation.
The partnership marks a significant step forward in Sabah’s efforts to diversify its tourism offerings and empower local communities through strategic international collaboration.
