Kota Kinabalu: Angelina Zhang Miao, a content creator from China who has been living in Sabah for many years, believes the State’s rich cultural tapestry holds the key to international prominence.
“Sabah boasts a rich and enduring cultural heritage, shaped by the languages, beliefs, craftsmanship and life wisdom of over a hundred ethnic groups.
“This diversity not only highlights the state’s inclusive cultural charm but also holds immense social value and economic potential,” said Angelina who is Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah’s Women Entrepreneurs Committee Council Member.
“The Chinese community in Sabah has retained their cultural roots with such completeness that even as a foreigner, I feel a deep sense of familiarity,” she said, citing the preservation of temple fairs, festivals, calligraphy, lion dances and traditional cuisine.
Her appointment to the MCCC Sabah committee represents more than a personal milestone, it symbolises strengthening cultural and economic bonds between China and Malaysia at the grassroots level.
She credits Sabah MCCC President Datuk Dexter Lau for providing this platform to bridge communities.
Angelina’s perspective aligns with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor’s recent commitment to protecting Sabah’s unique cultural heritage through continued support for ethnic organisations preserving their customs and arts.
She said what sets Sabah apart is how indigenous cultures remain vibrant in daily life rather than existing just as museum pieces.
“Sabah’s native cultures are truly unique, they are alive in people’s daily lives,” she said, describing this living culture as invaluable soft power.
She envisions Sabah developing an integrated model combining culture, content and tourism to compete globally.
She advocates using contemporary digital platforms to share local stories with international audiences, particularly through social media and e-commerce.
“Culture should be something people can participate in, build businesses around and co-create together,” she said, noting how local cultural groups and craft brands are already transforming traditional products into marketable experiences as examples of successful cultural monetisation.
This approach, she believes, could generate youth employment and cultural entrepreneurship while establishing Sabah as a distinctive player in international cultural tourism all without compromising cultural authenticity.
“Sabah’s beauty goes beyond its mountains and seas. It is a fusion of human stories and emotional depth that deserves recognition on the global stage,” she said.
“Sabah boasts a rich and enduring cultural heritage, shaped by the languages, beliefs, craftsmanship and life wisdom of over a hundred ethnic groups.
“This diversity not only highlights the state’s inclusive cultural charm but also holds immense social value and economic potential,” said Angelina who is Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah’s Women Entrepreneurs Committee Council Member.
“The Chinese community in Sabah has retained their cultural roots with such completeness that even as a foreigner, I feel a deep sense of familiarity,” she said, citing the preservation of temple fairs, festivals, calligraphy, lion dances and traditional cuisine.
Her appointment to the MCCC Sabah committee represents more than a personal milestone, it symbolises strengthening cultural and economic bonds between China and Malaysia at the grassroots level.
She credits Sabah MCCC President Datuk Dexter Lau for providing this platform to bridge communities.
Angelina’s perspective aligns with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor’s recent commitment to protecting Sabah’s unique cultural heritage through continued support for ethnic organisations preserving their customs and arts.
She said what sets Sabah apart is how indigenous cultures remain vibrant in daily life rather than existing just as museum pieces.
“Sabah’s native cultures are truly unique, they are alive in people’s daily lives,” she said, describing this living culture as invaluable soft power.
She envisions Sabah developing an integrated model combining culture, content and tourism to compete globally.
She advocates using contemporary digital platforms to share local stories with international audiences, particularly through social media and e-commerce.
“Culture should be something people can participate in, build businesses around and co-create together,” she said, noting how local cultural groups and craft brands are already transforming traditional products into marketable experiences as examples of successful cultural monetisation.
This approach, she believes, could generate youth employment and cultural entrepreneurship while establishing Sabah as a distinctive player in international cultural tourism all without compromising cultural authenticity.
“Sabah’s beauty goes beyond its mountains and seas. It is a fusion of human stories and emotional depth that deserves recognition on the global stage,” she said.