Kota Kinabalu: Sabah is showcasing its culture and tourism offerings on the international stage after Malaysia was named Guest Country at the Republic of Korea’s 30th Andong International Maskdance Festival.
The event drew participants from 22 countries and more than 1.6 million visitors over 11 days.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the Guest Country status gave Sabah an important platform to bring its culture and tourism directly to Korean and international audiences.
“Being part of Malaysia’s presence as Guest Country gives Sabah an important platform to bring our culture and tourism directly to the Korean and international audience,” he said.
The Ministry’s Deputy Permanent Secretary II, Dr Cleopatra @ Clare Asing, delivered Jafry’s speech on his behalf during Malaysia Guest Country Day at the festival on Saturday.
“With 22 countries participating and more than 1.6 million visitors projected throughout the festival, this is a valuable opportunity to increase Sabah’s visibility and introduce our destination to a much wider international market,” Jafry said.
“Culture has a unique ability to connect people beyond language and borders. We are here not only to showcase Sabah, but to build lasting relationships and create opportunities for deeper cooperation between Sabah and Andong.
“This is an opportunity for the people of Korea and international visitors to experience a glimpse of Sabah, our culture, traditions, destinations and, most importantly, the warmth of our people.
“We hope this will serve as a meaningful foundation for stronger cultural and tourism exchanges and bring our communities closer together,” he said.
Andong Mayor Kwon Ki Chang, representatives of the Andong City Council and the Korean Foundation for Cultures and Ethics, along with international guests, attended the event.
Throughout the festival, Sabah is presenting its diverse ethnic heritage through cultural performances, traditional crafts and its own pavilion, alongside promotions on the State’s nature based and cultural tourism attractions.
Jafry also thanked Andong City and the Korean Foundation for Cultures and Ethics for the international platform, adding that Sabah looks forward to building stronger engagement with Andong and the Korean tourism market.
