Kota Kinabalu: Physical meetings are still the way to effective business, just like its earliest forms at the town market.
Professor Dr Keiko Nishimoto said virtual or “metaverse” business dealings are fantasy.
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“During the pandemic people tried to believe it was a new era for business events. But afterwards, we got back to business.
“I think we should proceed with face to face events and do not spend much money on virtual reality,” she said.
Meanwhile, Perpetual Knowledge Development Chief Knowledge Officer Dr Edwin Varo said it could be a youth thing.
“Don’t forget my generation is going extinct. It is the young generation who will be decision makers.
“We have to find something that interests them and make it sure satisfies that generation.
“We must also cater to the groups of people who are spending (on VR) because ultimately they are the ones who have a lot of money. We need to make sure they are happy,” he said.
Both were speaking on Sabah’s future in evolving sustainable businesses, a Business Events Forum at SICC on Thursday.
Dr Keiko who is also ICCA Asia Pacific Deputy Chairperson highlighted the importance of consistency which could be indexed and benchmarked.
“But Sabah is already a sustainable destination, it is important to use its jungle or rainforest as sustainable destination marketing.
“But benchmark must be there, otherwise it can just be greenwashing, to demonstrate with convenient ideas which is not tact,” she said.
Having lived in Sabah for the past 25 years, Dr Edwin said given the situation, its sustainability is doing very well.
“Over the years we have seen changes, improvements, what is not that expectations from outsiders can be a little bit heavier.
“We must ensure to the buyer that we have the right people because we have already built the capacity.
“Think globally but act locally. If you start following global expectations it may be too much and too early,” he said.
Dr Edwin noted the cons is the state losing on its “natural goodness” essentially reminding to find balance.
“Sabah is always known for a lot of love. I am very concerned if we emphasise on something else greater, we would lose what is natural to us.
“I have seen this in many countries, the feeling we have towards our guest is lost,” he said.
Dr Keiko said sustainability itself is not the goal but to “fuel the destination with the idea” is very important.
Dr Edwin meanwhile said property owners stand to gain from big government incentives set in the 2024 Budget.
