Taiwanese Universities collaborate with Sabah Tourism Associations on Agro-Community Tourism efforts
- nabalunews
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
30 April 2025
KOTA KINABALU: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between five Taiwanese universities and four Sabah tourism associations to collaborate on agro- and community-based tourism initiatives.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai at Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu.
Representing Taiwan were Dayeh University, National Chi Nan University, Nan Kai University of Technology, Lee-Ming Institute of Technology, and the Taiwan Agro and Rural Tourism Association.
The Sabah side was represented by the Kiulu Tourism Association, Tambunan Tourism Association, Persatuan Pengusaha Kopi Tenom Sabah, and Persatuan Komuniti Wanita Kampung Tambatuon Kota Belud.
The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) will oversee and facilitate this collaboration as part of its ongoing efforts to promote sustainable and inclusive tourism development.
Datuk Joniston, who is also Chairman of the STB, stated that the partnership aligns with the state’s Sabah Maju Jaya development plan, which designates agriculture and tourism as key pillars.
He emphasised the significance of agro-tourism in creating meaningful visitor experiences whilst directly supporting rural communities.
Furthermore, he highlighted that the STB has identified 51 agro-tourism products across the state and is currently piloting a digital data platform in Kiulu to enhance rural tourism strategies.
Joniston expressed confidence that collaboration with Taiwanese universities will help build local capacity, foster knowledge exchange, and develop sustainable tourism projects rooted in local values.
Also present at the event were Mary Malangking, Deputy Permanent Secretary I of the Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry; Patricia Vain, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Sabah Rural Development Ministry; Julinus Jeffery Jimit, Chief Executive Officer of STB; and Pang Thou Chong, representing the Malaysia Talent Education and Industry-Academia Collaboration Association, acting on behalf of the Taiwanese signatories.
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