Joniston (rear, third left) with some of delegates from Boseong County, South Korea.
KOTA KINABALU: Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry (KePKAS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Boseong County, South Korea, to strengthen cooperation in festival and tourism exchange.
The MoU was signed by KePKAS Deputy Permanent Secretary I Mary Malangking and Boseong County Deputy Governor Seo Hyung Bin.
Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who is also Chairman of Sabah Tourism Board, and Boseong County Culture and Tourism Bureau Director-General Rho Joung Yi witnessed the signing held during a welcoming dinner in conjunction with the Kaamatan Festival here Friday.
Joniston said the MoU represents a step forward in building stronger ties and shared interest in learning about each other’s traditions.
“This partnership is about people. It’s about building understanding and sharing our stories. The timing of this MoU, held during our Kaamatan Festival, makes it even more meaningful.
“With this year’s theme Kaamatan For All, it reflects our desire to share this celebration with the world and we are honoured to welcome our friends from Boseong to experience the spirit of Kaamatan with us,” he said.
Joniston also highlighted the recent visit by Sabah representatives to Boseong during the Green Tea Festival.
He said the warm welcome and the opportunity to learn about Boseong’s tea culture were deeply appreciated, adding that such cultural exchange allows both sides to respect and enjoy each other’s heritage.
With direct flights connecting Kota Kinabalu and South Korea, Joniston believes more cultural and festival exchanges can happen.
As part of the cultural exchange, the Boseong cultural troupe is performing on the open stage at Hongkod Koisaan, KDCA in conjunction with the Kaamatan Festival finale today (May 31).
Joniston said the performance will give Sabahans a chance to experience the music and culture of Boseong.
He also expressed hope that Sabah will one day bring the Kaamatan Festival to Boseong.
The MoU is expected to lead to more cultural activities, exchange visits, and tourism promotions between the two regions.
Joniston said this is a good start and hopes the collaboration will grow stronger.
Also present at the signing ceremony were KePKAS Deputy Permanent Secretary II Alesia Sion; Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Kota Kinabalu Yoon Ockchae; Jeollanamdo Tourism Organization CEO Kim Young Sin; and KDCA Women’s Council Chairwoman Datuk Joanna Kitingan.
