Liew (fourth right) with other guests and the organisers at the welcome dinner. From left: Dr Maklarin, Julinus, Wong, Lai, Eddy, Tan, Noredah and Captain Fareh.
KOTA KINABALU: Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew has suggested that the inaugural ASEAN Travel Exchange 2025 (ATEX 2025) be made an annual event.
She raised the subject to the applause of 500 delegates from 15 countries at the welcome dinner hosted by her at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru here last night.
“An event of this nature is conducive to promoting travel and cultural exchanges, making new connections, building rapport and strengthening existing ties among ASEAN member countries,” said Liew, while urging the Federation of ASEAN Travel Associations (FATA) President Datuk Tan Kok Liang, who was present, to look into her suggestion.
For tourism growth, the Minister, who was the guest of honour, also proposed reciprocal visits among the 10 member countries, saying ASEAN tourism must seize new opportunities and create new adventures.
Speaking to the delegates, Liew said : “If it’s your first time in Sabah, I encourage you to explore beyond the venue. From the iconic Mount Kinabalu, a symbol of strength and unity, to vibrant markets and islands full of life, Sabah welcomes you with more than just beauty; it offers unforgettable experiences.
“As Malaysia is the Chairman of ASEAN this year, ATEX 2025 serves as a reminder that our greatest strength lies in the unity of its people and purpose. It invites us to celebrate the bonds of friendship and shared purpose that brings us together.
“As the inaugural dinner of the ASEAN Travel Exchange, tonight also marks the beginning of a new tradition of unity through tourism.”
The participating countries were Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, China, India, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan and South Korea.
ATEX 2025 was jointly organised by ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA), Federation of ASEAN Travel Associations (FATA) and Malaysia Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) and supported by the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry (KePKAS), Sabah Tourism Board (STB), Sabah Convention Bureau (SCB) and Tourism Malaysia. Strategic partners included AirAsia and Jetama Water.
Among the guests were KePKAS Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai, Deputy Permanent Secretary I Mary Malangking, ASEANTA President Eddy Krismeidi, MATTA President Nigel Wong, and AirAsia Malaysia CEO, Datuk Captain Fareh Mazputra.
Also present were Sri Pelancongan Sabah Chairman Ken Pan, Sabah Parks Director Dr Maklarin Lajim, Sabah Wildlife Department Director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar, STB CEO Julinus Jeffery Jimit and SCB CEO Noredah Othman.
