Taiwan-Sabah partnership aims to boost sustainable tourism

 

Five universities from Taiwan have formalised a partnership with four Sabah-based tourism associations to promote agro- and community-based tourism in the Malaysian state.

The collaboration was formalised with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Kota Kinabalu. It aims to promote sustainable tourism development through knowledge exchange, community engagement, and academic-industry cooperation. The MoU is also expected to support capacity-building among local stakeholders and contribute to long-term, values-driven tourism initiatives.

The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Sabah government and representatives of the Malaysia Talent Education and Industry-Academia Collaboration Association, who accompanied the Taiwanese delegation.

The participating Taiwanese institutions are Dayeh University, National Chi Nan University, Nan Kai University of Technology, Lee-Ming Institute of Technology, and the Taiwan Agro and Rural Tourism Association. Their Sabah counterparts include the Kiulu Tourism Association, Tambunan Tourism Association, Sabah Tenom Coffee Entrepreneurs Association, and the Tambatuon Village Women’s Community Association in Kota Belud.

The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) will facilitate the collaboration as part of its broader efforts to develop inclusive and sustainable tourism models.

STB chairman and assistant minister of tourism, culture and environment, Joniston Bangkuai, said the initiative aligns with the Sabah Maju Jaya development blueprint, which highlights agriculture and tourism as key economic drivers.

He noted that “agro-tourism plays a vital role in enhancing visitor experiences while directly empowering rural communities”, adding that STB has identified 51 agro-tourism products across Sabah and is piloting a digital data platform in Kiulu to guide rural tourism strategies.

-TTG Asia.