Kota Kinabalu: Sabah is positioning itself as a compelling educational destination for Filipino students, according to former Philippine Senator Nikki Coseteng.
She said this upon arriving at the Kota Kinabalu Internation Airport (KKIA) Monday evening from Manila.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});She was accompanied by 20 students from Diliman University including some parents for a five-day cultural visit to Kota Kinabalu City and nearby places.
“With a convenient flight time of under two hours from Manila, Sabah offers a unique blend of academic opportunities and cultural immersion,” Nikko who is also a former member of the House of Congress.
She emphasised the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Sabah, making it an attractive alternative for students seeking a different educational experience.
Nikki said this initiative could lead to a significant increase in Filipino students choosing Sabah for their higher education, boosting the local economy and fostering stronger cultural exchange.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});On the cultural aspect, the 72-year old former lawmaker highlighted the growing relationship between Sabah and the Philippines.
She encouraged Filipino tourists and students to explore Sabah’s diverse culture and natural beauty, emphasising the short flight time from Manila.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“The noble measure promotes not only tourism but also a deeper understanding and appreciation of the cultural heritage of both regions…The potential for increased cultural exchange and collaboration between Sabah and the Philippines is significant, fostering stronger ties between the two communities.
While Nikki promotes Sabah as a destination for Filipino tourists and investors, the question remains: can Sabah effectively capitalise on this opportunity?
She reiterated that the short flight time from Manila offers a significant advantage, but Sabah needs to invest in infrastructure, marketing, and potentially address any visa or regulatory hurdles to attract a substantial influx of Filipinos.
Meawhile, Borneo Trails Tour and Travel is playing host to the Filipino visitors while in the city.
Officials from the tour company will bring the visitors to several tourism products including at the Kota Kinabalu Park in Kundasang.
The visitors will return to Manila Friday.
