Photo: Liew (centre), flanked by Alesia (on her left) and Lee, and others displaying SIE 2023 promotional material.
KOTA KINABALU: The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment will support the 10th Sabah International Expo (SIE) 2023, rated as the biggest international event in Sabah, that will be held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) from September 21st to 24th.
Its Minister Datuk Christina Liew gave the assurance during a recent courtesy call by a delegation from the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) and Federation of Sabah Industries (FSI), led by Organising Chairman Datuk Lee Swi Heng, at the Ministry’s Office.
This Sabah’s premier trade fair, that was last held in 2016, is co-organised by the State Government, MICCI and FSI, and endorsed by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) with Impact Zone as the Event and Exhibitions partner.
Liew said SIE 2023 would serve as a platform for the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) to promote Sabah’s new tourism tagline “Feel Sabah, North Borneo”, and introduce its new tourism products.
“This is a great opportunity to showcase Sabah’s unique attractions to the world, and share what we have to offer tourists, business owners and investors alike.
“My Ministry through the STB will fully support this international event that is anticipated to lure business owners, exhibitors, potential investors and tourists to Sabah.
“We hope first-time visitors will maximise their stay by taking the opportunity to explore ‘The Land Below The Wind’,” Liew said after a briefing by Lee.
The Expo will help drive the State’s economic growth under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) direction, she added.
The Minister also suggested that selected craft entrepreneurs be allotted space for their native craft makers to demonstrate their beadwork and weaving skills or sell their wares during the expo.
According to the Organising Chairman, about 500 delegates will attend the Sabah International Business Luncheon Talk with emphasis on trade business on Sept 21 as a prelude to the SIE 2023 (Sept 22-24) which is open to the general public.
Lee, who is also MICCI Sabah Branch Chairman, said participants of the luncheon talk will primarily comprise Cabinet ministers, members of the diplomatic corps such as ambassadors and high commissioners, and industry captains.
About 1,000 delegates, made up of foreign dignitaries and visitors as well as exhibitors will be feted to a welcoming dinner hosted by the State Government.
“More than 300 booths will be put up by 600 exhibitors to showcase their products or services. There is also the potential of bringing investments into Sabah. Our focus is also on green infrastructure technologies as well as tourism,” Lee told the Minister, adding that exhibitors hail from Malaysia, BIMP-EAGA, China, India, Kazakhstan and Australia, among other countries.
Meanwhile, Organising Committee member Datuk Seri Panglima Wong Khen Thau said SIE, which started in 2000, is the largest expo happening in the region. “In fact, 80pc of the booths have been snapped up by foreign countries. Thailand alone is putting up 70 booths,” he said.
The delegation included President of FSI Richard Lim, who heads the SIE 2023 Marketing Division, and members of the Main Organising Committee, Dr Andrew Sim, Datu Ahmad Shah and Benjamin Lo. “With the Minister’s support, we hope to perform better this time around,” they said.
Also present were the Ministry’s Deputy Permanent Secretary II Alesia Sion and STB Senior Marketing Manager Humphrey Ginibun.
Source: MalaysianDailyNews.com
Date: 21st June 2023
