Dr Rafiq (third right) and Freddie showing the signed MoU documents.
KOTA KINABALU: The University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF) and Borneo Rainforest Lodge (BRL) formalised a partnership by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru here recently.
The agreement was signed by UCSF Vice Chancellor Datuk Dr Rafiq Idris and BRL CEO Freddie Coleman. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Hanafiah Diman, Corporate Secretary of Yayasan Sabah, and Douglas Joinol, Chief Operating Officer of Innoprise Corporation Sdn Bhd. Management and staff from both organisations were also present.
Freddie highlighted the importance of the collaboration, stating the MoU marks a vital step in bridging education with the sustainability-focused ecotourism sector, aligning with Yayasan Sabah’s mission to empower Sabah’s people.
“By integrating UCSF’s educational expertise with BRL’s nature-based tourism knowhow, this partnership seeks to nurture skilled professionals ready to lead global ecotourism ventures. Yayasan Sabah, through this initiative, continues to foster job creation, support sustainable industries, and contribute to a brighter future for Sabah,” he added.
Dr Rafiq described the MoU as a mutually beneficial framework, emphasising shared goals such as internship opportunities for UCSF students and joint educational activities.
“This collaboration holds immense potential to develop skilled professionals for the ecotourism industry,” he said, expressing confidence that the partnership would strengthen ties between UCSF, BRL and other stakeholders across Sabah.
The MoU underscores the commitment of both organisations to advancing education, sustainability and the local economy.
