Liew (second right) and others sampling Malaysia’s GPR Gold 100pc pure butter cookies. Second from left is the State Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker, Brigadier General Datuk Al Hambra Tun Juhar.
KOTA KINABALU: Go international to widen the level of participation, Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew tells organisers of the 24th Sabah Hospitality Fiesta, which ends on Saturday.
Speaking to reporters after officiating at the joint Food Hospitality Malaysia (FHM) Borneo Edition 2024 and 24th Sabah Hospitality Fiesta here Thursday, she called on the organisers (Asian Tourism International College (ATI College) and Malaysia Association of Hotels (MAH) Sabah & Labuan Chapter to extend their invitation to neighbouring countries like Indonesia and Brunei as well as Japan and Korea, among others, to participate in the fiesta from next year.
“Partnering with other countries for an international dimension will be more impactful in terms of food culture exchange, networking opportunities, and tourism promotion. The move will enhance the Sabah region’s visibility as a culinary destination,” said Liew.
There were 404 participants in the culinary competition (Professional and Apprentice categories). 29 hotels (members of MAH) participated in the professional category, according to MAH Sabah & Labuan Chapter Chairman Hafizan Wong.
Twenty-one other participants (restaurants, education institutions, hotels) are non-MAH members, while 15 colleges took part in the apprentice category.
Of the 130 exhibitors of products and services, 25 feature international brands, eight are international companies, while the rest are Malaysians, including 23 from Sabah.
Visibly pleased with the larger turnout this year, Liew noted that this was the outcome of the strategic partnership between the Sabah Hospitality Fiesta and Informa Markets Malaysia, aimed at bringing the FHM Borneo Edition 2024 to Sabah.
This powerful collaboration between two iconic industry events promises to create an unparalleled platform for showcasing the best our hospitality sector has to offer – both from local talents and the global stage, she said.
“The collaboration between the Sabah Hospitality Fiesta and FHM Borneo Edition 2024 embodies the spirit of innovation. It will serve as a crucial channel for meaningful networking, a showcase for the latest industry trends, and a significant catalyst for the growth and development of the hospitality sector,” she added.
Liew also paid tribute to ATI College Executive Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Khen Thau for his years of commitment and dedication to the growth of ATI College as evidenced by the institution’s investment and success in the area of human resource development since its inception.
One exhibition booth that drew visitors like a magnet was that of Malaysia’s Global Premium Resources, a prominent player in the global market, which showcased its GPR Gold brand (butter cookies) and GPR Classic brand (butter cookies, oat cookies, chocolate cookies, coconut cookies, and shortbread). Company spokesman Teo Zi Xuan said goods worth around RM150,000 to RM200,000 were on display.
“Our manufacturing plant is located in Batu Pahat, Johor. We export a wide range of products to over 60 countries. Our largest customers include Japan, the USA, China, Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand, and various Middle Eastern countries. The products are also available in supermarkets in Kota Kinabalu,” he told the Minister.
Asked what is special about GPR Gold butter cookies, Teo shared: “To bring back the classic flavour that consumers love, we craft our butter cookies with 100pc pure butter and no artificial flavours. This is to ensure the most authentic taste. Due to the low melting-point of butter, our butter crafted butter cookies provide a melt-in-the-mouth experience.”
