Kota Kinabalu: The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment supports the 8th Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race 2023 and the 38th National Chinese Cultural Festival 2023.
Its Minister Datuk Christina Liew said her Ministry would consider the organisers’ application for funding from the State Government.
“We support events that strengthen the various cultures, including Chinese culture. These events also enable participants to help promote Sabah as a tourist destination, through the activities and programmes carried out by these organisations,” she said.
Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) President Tan Sri T.C. Goh led a 15-member delegation to pay a courtesy call on Liew and to brief her on the coming 8th Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race 2023 on Monday.
“Since 2014, we (FCAS) have succeeded in holding the 8th Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race 2023 with support from the State Government,” he said.
Goh also extended an invitation to the Minister to attend several programmes in conjunction with the two major events at Likas Bay from June 16 to 18.
According to him, about 130 domestic and foreign teams are expected to participate in the 8th Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race 2023.
Meanwhile, FCAS Deputy President Datuk Susan Wong, who is the Organising Chairman for both events, enlightened Liew on the activities lined up for the 38th National Chinese Cultural Festival 2023.
She said the Festival’s Torch Run opening ceremony will be held on June 16 while the Likas Kota Kinabalu leg of the Run will take place the next day (June17), followed by Tawau and Semporna.
Between July and August, the Run will be extended to Papar, Beaufort, Tuaran, Tamparuli, Keningau, Tenom, Sandakan, Lahad Datu and Kudat.
“Hopefully, we will be able to hold the Run for Destination Kota Kinabalu on September 16 to coincide with the Malaysia Day celebration,” Wong said.
The organisers have set September 26 for the final Run in Ranau, culminating in bringing the torch to the summit of Mount Kinabalu.
The closing ceremony for the 38th National Chinese Cultural Festival 2023 will be on October 8 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC).
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