Kota Kinabalu: Malaysia made a debut presentation of the traditional culture of indigenous people at the United Nations (UN) in Geneva, Switzerland.Featuring Sabah’s ethnic group, the cultural performance was performed at the 50th session of the UN Human Rights Council.
It is Malaysia’s commitment as a member of the UN Human Rights Council for the 2022-2024 term to promote the protection and respect for cultural rights, including its indigenous people.
“I am honoured that Sabah, through Sabah Tourism Board (STB), was invited to represent Malaysia and showcase our ethnic groups during the meeting at Palais Des Nations, Geneva, on June 21.
“We extend our thanks and appreciation to the Malaysian Embassy in Bern, Switzerland and Tourism Malaysia Frankfurt for inviting us to share our culture with the delegation at the meeting,” said STB CEO Noredah Othman (inset).
“Our ethnic dance and music performances managed to grab the attention of the UN delegation. I am happy Sabah was given the opportunity to promote our country, in particular our State, in this international platform.”
STB brought the Sabah Cultural Board dance troupe to perform the lively Sumazau, Limbai, Anggalang Magunatip, Daling-Daling and Mengalai Abai dance performances, including musical entertainment by Payuki, the traditional long flute player.
Pre-Covid-19, Swiss arrivals to Sabah were slightly below 2,000 a year and overall, to Malaysia, 20,000 arrivals. Swiss travellers are considered high spending and longer staying travellers to South East Asia. This is an opportunity for Sabah to present itself as a nature adventure and cultural destination to this market segment.
Sabah also represented Malaysia through a two-day cultural performance on June 18-19 where Malaysia was invited as the guest country for the 2022 Ballenberg Open-Air Museum exclusive craft market.
“While there, STB took the opportunity to meet with major tour operators such as Asia365 and TourAsia. We will be enhancing our promotions through several joint collaboration and promotions with them,” said Noredah.
