Liew and Goh (middle) jointly displaying a lit torch before lighting the cauldron (foreground). Also in the picture are FCAS Deputy President Datuk Susan Wong (on Liew’s left), DBKK Director-General Lifred Wong (fourth right) and Sabah Tourism Board CEO Julinus Jeffery Jimit (third left).
KOTA KINABALU: Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew welcomed 141 teams of local and international participants of the 10th Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race 2025 when she graced the Sunset Beach Party held at the Likas Bay here yesterday.
“I am delighted to see so many teams from different countries (Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Brunei Darussalam) coming together here in beautiful Kota Kinabalu to embrace this unique experience,” she said.
Liew said the ability of the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) to reach the 10th edition of this event was no small feat, and it spoke volumes about FCAS’ dedication, teamwork and vision, led by its President Tan Sri TC Goh.
“As the Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, I am proud to support events like this that promote sports, tourism and culture all in one. Dragon boat racing may be rooted in tradition, but what the Federation is doing here keeps that tradition alive and thriving in a truly global way,” she said.
The Minister noted that the dragon boat race has evolved into more than just a sporting event, describing it as a platform for friendship, cultural exchange and community spirit.
Liew said this year is particularly special because their visit to Sabah happens to coincide with one of the state’s most significant festivals – Kaamatan, the Harvest Festival.
“It’s a time when we celebrate gratitude, unity and blessings with our indigenous communities, especially the Kadazandusun people. So, for those of you visiting Sabah for the first time, you are in for a treat.
“You will get to enjoy not just the excitement of racing on the water, but also the colours, music, food and cultural richness that Kaamatan brings,” she added.
