Borneo Architecture Festival on October 1
KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Chief Minister cum Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Christina Liew has been invited to launch the International Architecture Conference in conjunction with the 2018 Borneo Architecture Festival on October 12 at the Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa (STAR) from 8.30am to 5.40pm.
It is being organised by the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM), Sabah Chapter headed by Ar. Arnold Kwan who led an eight-member delegation from the Chapter’s Executive Committee and Organising Committee chaired by Robert Chiang. The others were Datuk Ar. Ho Jia Lit, Ar. Jebb Liew, Ar. Rizal Ahmad Banjar, Ar. Yong Ming Cheong, Ar Justin Yong, Ar. James Wong and Chapter Secretary Norbiah Sekil.
Liew, who is also a Deputy Chief Minister, is pleased that the Sabah Chapter has chosen “The Architecture of Tourism” for the theme of the conference to explore the role of Architecture in the burgeoning tourism industry.
“It will support eco-tourism which is nature-based if resorts and chalets are built around natural features to enhance the natural environment,” she said.
The Minister said her Ministry will look into the possibility of engaging PAM Sabah Chapter in an advisory capacity for future tourism-related projects, given its diversity of expertise and talents, and availability of award-winning architects.
Briefing the Minister, Ar. Kwan defined Architecture of Tourism as the art of designing and creating a built-environment for tourism based on nature such as the natural rainforest, animals, and flora and fauna.
“We have been discussing what the best architecture in the Sabah context is. We think that it should reflect tourism essence in our designing of buildings and in the environment we create for tourists,” he said.
Ho said Architecture of Tourism can contribute to eco-tourism by designing low-rise buildings (examples, resort and chalet) in the jungle and on the islands, using timber, bamboo and other local materials.
Organising Chairman Chiang said the goal of the Borneo Architecture Festival is to create awareness among Sabah architects and other building industry professionals, developers, tourist entrepreneurs and government officials on the importance of tourism and the role Architecture can play in this rapidly-growing industry.
Source: New Sabah Times
