Sabah gaining momentum as Mice hub: Liew
Published on: Thursday, July 18, 2024
Liew with the Organising Committee of Natcon. Flanking her are Lai and Loo. Also seen is Yong.
Kota Kinabalu: Sabah is gaining momentum as a Mice (Meeting, Incentive, Convention & Exhibition) destination for international leadership training organisations such as Junior Chamber International (JCI), said Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Christina Liew.
She is pleased that JCI Tanjung Aru has won the bid to host the 2024 JCI Malaysia National Convention (Natcon) as a Mice event in Sabah.
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Under the leadership of Bidding Chairperson Amanda Yong, who is also President of JCI Tanjung Aru, the chapter successfully secured the hosting rights for 2024 during the 2023 JCI Malaysia National Convention held in Malacca.
“We encourage the delegates to take the opportunity to explore and discover the natural wonders of Sabah post or pre-convention. Ideally, they can play the role of Ambassadors to promote Sabah to the rest of the world,” Liew enthused.
On Tuesday, a nine-member delegation from the hosting chapter led by the 2024 JCI Malaysia National Convention Director JCI Senator Alvis Loo paid a courtesy call on the minister to brief her on the event. Liew assured the Organising Committee of her ministry’s support.
In his briefing, Loo said the three-day event will be held from October 17 to 19 at two different venues, first at the KDCA building and then at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on the final day of Natcon.
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“We expect over 1,000 JCI members from various regions to participate in the event. As the official host, we pledge to showcase Sabah’s rich cultural heritage, natural attractions, and warm hospitality as well as promote business opportunities. I am confident that this national convention will generate tourism receipts for the State,” he said.
According to the Convention Director, the convention offers a diverse agenda, including the national general assembly, national board of directors elections, seminars, public speaking and debate competitions, talent battle, and a small trade exhibition.
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In response to a suggestion from the Minister, Loo said the Organising Committee has set up a committee to facilitate interested delegates’ visit to tourist hotspots in Sabah. “We are liaising with tour and travel agents here for offers of attractive tour packages.”
The 44-year-old JCI Tanjung Aru chapter with a membership strength of 64 boasts at least four award-winning projects, namely Smile for Peace, Kampung Tudan Gravity Water Project, Heart Your Kidney: Together We Care for All, and Say No To Shark Fin Soup.
Also present were the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Josie Lai Mei Sing, JCI Tanjung Aru Chapter Past President JCI Senator Paul Hen and current Secretary Kenneth Liau.
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