All articles of culture in Sabah

04Nov

Visit Tambunan Year good, timely: Musa

Tambunan: The Sabah Government remains committed in intensifying and developing the tourism sector as a catalyst for economic growth, said Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman. He said the State Government, through the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC), was focusing on key sectors, especially the tourism sector, to achieve a strong and sustainable economic growth. "It is therefore important that all parties continue to step up efforts to accelerate progress and promote the tourism sector in Sabah regionally and internationally. "Although there are some concerns among tourists, such as the outbreak of disease in several countries, but the State's tourism sector continues to show a positive development because we have various destinations as attractive options," he said when launching "Visit Tambunan Year 2017", here, Wednesday night. Meanwhile, commenting on the event, Musa said the launch of Visit Tambunan 2017 was a good move and timely. "This is because not only is Tambunan booming with numerous developments, but it (Tambunan) is famous for its beauty and has a uniqueness of its own," he added. Also present at the event was Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin. Pairin, who is also Tambunan Assemblyman, said the inspiration to make Tambunan a tourist destination in Sabah had long been planned. "Tambunan has many tourist attractions, including Gunung Trus Madi, Mahua waterfalls and its colourful history," he added. Tambunan district is a highland area located in the interior of Sabah, about 81 kilometres from Kota Kinabalu. The area is surrounded by rice fields with about 70 villages and most of its population comprise the ethnic Dusun. Source: Daily Express
By Inside KePKAS, Comments Off
Read more...
21Oct

Exhibition on TYT and his activities at Heritage Museum

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Islamic Heritage Museum near here is showcasing various exhibits on Sabah’s Head of State Tun Datuk Seri Dr Haji Juhar Datuk Haji Mahiruddin. Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said that the exhibition would be held in conjunction with the Head of State’s birthday celebration and showcasing his various community programmes and activities. These included social activities such as the National Day celebration, Malaysia Day, activities with orphanages, Hari Raya celebration and many others, said Masidi who was represented by his assistant minister Datuk Kamarlin Ombi. He added that such exhibition was important as it served as a symbol of unity in Sabah. “Sabah is a multi-racial society that the people are rich in their own beliefs and tradition. The Head of State’s institution is one that unites the various ethnic groups in the State. As an entity, the Head of State’s institution guarantees peace, harmony and prosperity to the people of Sabah,” he said. He said that this guarantee of peace, harmony and properity were not merely enjoyed by Sabahans but also helped industries such as the tourism sector to thrive and contribute to the State income. “The presence of tourists provides incomes to tourism companies as well as the local communities in Sabah through the promotion of various traditional products including traditional food and culture of all Sabah ethnic groups,” he said. At the same time, Masidi, who was speaking at the launch of the special exhibits “Dirgahayu Tuan Yang Terutama” held in conjunction with the Head of State’s 63th birthday celebration, also stressed the role of museum and its importance in guarding and caring for historical data and information. “History is important for us because they are proofs of each incident that transpires,” he said. He said that in this context, the State Museum Department plays an important role in promoting the State. “This role and function could be seen through its various activities in safeguarding and sustaining the cultural heritage, history and natural environment of Sabah to be showcased to the people in the form of exhibits,” he said. Such heritage, he said, was important assets for Sabah as it could be further developed to attract tourists to come to Sabah. He then urged all parties, including members of the public to inform the museum of any historical findings so that action could be taken for its preservation. He also urged members of the public with antique artefacts to contact the State museum. At the same time, he also urged schools to bring their students to visit the museum so that they would learn about the historical facts and heritage of the State. Source: Borneo Post
By Inside KePKASComments Off
Read more...
23Sep

Movies can become bridge of friendship: Masidi

Kota Kinabalu: Films can provide a good avenue to foster mutual understanding, said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun. He said movies can become a bridge of friendship among various communities. "If one see a particular movie, he or she will learn and understand about the culture… it is a good medium to get people together," he said during the opening of the China Film Festival 2016 at MBO cinemas, at Imago Mall, here, on Tuesday. Masidi said the festival provides a good opportunity for Sabahans to watch good quality Chinese movies. "In Sabah, it is not only the Chinese who go to the cinemas and watch Chinese movies… almost everyone watches all kinds of movies even in languages that they don't speak." China's Consul-General in Kota Kinabalu, Chen Peijie said Chinese films have their own uniqueness where they reflect an interpretation of traditional culture with modern humanistic elements. "I hope Sabahans will enjoy the films and experience the unique charms of Chinese culture. "I also hope there will be more cultural exchanges between China and Sabah to further promote friendship between people from both sides," she said. Five films are featured in the festival – 'Monkey King: Hero is Back', 'Go Away Mr Tumor', 'Wolf Totem', 'Lost in Thailand' and 'Monster Hunt'. The festival which runs from Tuesday until Saturday (Sept 24) is organised by China's Consulate in conjunction with the 67th China National Day celebration and co-hosted by the Ma Zhong Friendship Association Sabah. Show times are at 7pm with one movie shown per day and each film has Malay and English subtitles. Movie tickets will be distributed for free an hour before the films start at MBO cinemas in Imago Mall. Source: Daily Express
By Inside KePKAS, Comments Off
Read more...
23Sep

Vintage car treat may become an annual event

Kota Kinabalu: Heads turned as more than 20 classic and vintage cars cruised around the city in a Malaysia Day Classic Car Show. Organised by City Hall, it saw enthusiasts converge at the compounds of the City Hall's building prior to the parade. Organising chairman Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai, also a classic car fan, said the car show aimed to provide an opportunity for city folks to see these unique and rare classic cars up close. "The classic car show is part of the Malaysia Day celebration in Kota Kinabalu and it is a platform to intensify patriotism among the public. "It can also promote tourism activities in the State, especially in Kota Kinabalu by making this event an annual affair in conjunction with Kota Kinabalu's City Day celebration," he said. Among the cars on show was a 1963 classic Mercedes that was once owned by the Sultan of Perak. "After we bought it, we restored the car locally. It's still in its original condition and is running well," said its owner Dinesh Raj from Vintage Garage. David Ng had the oldest car, a 1927 Austin 7 Chummy. "People are getting more interested now and creating more interest is one of the objectives of our group of classic car lovers in Sabah. "We also want to see enthusiasts keep the cars running and not merely collect them," said Ng, adding that owning such cars can be cheap depending on the model. He said, the most important thing is "to keep everything original and don't substitute with other materials." An architect, Ng is from Kuala Lumpur but he has been residing here for more than 30 years. His love for classic cars started even earlier. "The Austin 7 was bought in 1973 for RM5,500. It was in a good shape. It not very difficult to maintain as it is a very simple set up. It even caused less trouble compared to modern cars as it is very simple." He used to own up to 10 classic cars but now only has three due to space limitation. The parade was flagged-off by Sabah Tourism Board Chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai who welcomed such initiative to further diversify the tourism attraction in the State. "I was made to understand that the show attracted more than 500 visitors, including foreign ones. "I hope this event can be continued in future," he said. A China tourist, Lam Cheng Heng, said the vintage and classic cars were very attractive. The restaurant owner from Guangzhou, who is currently on holiday with his wife and two other family members, said they were passing by City Hall when the sight of the well-maintained old cars raised their curiousity to see up close. "I've never seen a classic car show before," he said. Source: Daily Express
By Inside KePKAS, Comments Off
Read more...
14Sep

Sabah, Japanese students share info and culture in integration programme

KOTA KINABALU: Schools in Sabah are encouraged to initiate and foster links with overseas schools for mutual sharing of information and culture. Sabah Education Department director Maimunah Suhaibul told members of the media after officiating at the Student Integration Programme between SMK Inanam and Japan’s Nakajima Junior High School yesterday that such links and relationship can help to improve the ties between the countries invovled. She urged the 92 students from SMK Inanam to ask their Japanese counterparts about their experience in handling natural calamities, such as earthquakes. Citing the June 5 earthquake in Ranau last year as an example, Maimunah reckoned the students could learn from the Japanese students who have been trained well to handle such calamities at school. “For Sabah, I think we can also learn from them and train our children to be prepared for any disaster,” she said. At the same time, she said the students from SMK Inanam could also adopt the practice of the Japanese people on cleanliness and punctuality. “What we can learn from the Japanese culture is their emphasis on cleanliness, timeliness and their ability to react when disaster strikes,” Maimunah said. She also said that following the earthquake last year, the Education Ministry had begun distributing modules and guidelines on how to deal with natural calamities, adding that the modules had been prepared several years ago. “But, we have begun redistributing them after last year’s incident,” she said. Meanwhile, a total of 50 students from Japan and 92 students from SMK Inanam took part in the integration programme yesterday. The students took turns to showcase performances while the visiting students hosted an origami making demonstration. Seven teachers accompanied the students from Japan. According to SMK Inanam’s Excellent Principal, Mozidah Hamzah, the students from her school are quite fluent in the Japanese language, adding that they have begun learning how to read and write in Japanese since they were in Form One. “They will learn Japanese until they are in Form Four and would sit for the Japanese language subject in the examination organised by the Education Ministry as they are quite fluent in the language,” she said. Last year, three students from her school went to Nakajima Junior High School for the exchange programme. “We hope this event/programme will continue in the future,” she added. Source: The Borneo Post
By Inside KePKAS, Comments Off
Read more...