Liew (middle) with Lai (on her left) and the delegation displaying the events’ promotional poster. From left : Wong, Krishnan, Suresh, Natalia and Mohd Firdaous.
KOTA KINABALU: The Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry (KePKAS) will support the 25th Sabah Hospitality Fiesta as a co-sponsor for the greater success of this international event.
It is jointly organised by the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), Sabah and Labuan Chapter, Asian Tourism International College (ATI College) and Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) at SICC from November 21 to 23.
KePKAS Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew said her ministry recognised the organisers’ 25 years of tireless efforts in promoting the hospitality industry in Sabah.
“Your initiative to introduce the Sabah Hospitality Expo (SOHEX) as an integral part of the 25th Sabah Hospitality Fiesta from this year onwards is commendable. It is a good move in preparation for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
“We wish you all the best in organising these two major events. Do get more international participants from Asia and other parts of the world,” she said after receiving a courtesy call by a delegation from the Events Organising Committee led by ATI College Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Khen Thau on Wednesday.
The Minister is expected to officially launch the events on November 21.
SOHEX will feature 150 booths offering a wide range of food and beverages as well as hospitality services, with a live cooking session for visitors to savour Sabah’s culinary delights. The Hospitality Mastery Competition of the 25th Sabah Hospitality Fiesta, which covers patisseries, Black Box Cooking, bartending, housekeeping and florist, among other areas, is open to professionals and apprentices from Malaysia and the international community.
Wong attributed the 25 years of achievement of the Sabah Hospitality Fiesta to unwavering support from KePKAS, among other sponsors. He, together with Event Organising Chairman Krishnan Mogan and the new Chairman of MAH Sabah and Labuan Chapter Suresh Ramasamy expressed his appreciation to Liew for her continued support over the years.
“It’s our Sabahan festival, especially for all hoteliers. We want to make sure we look after our boys who are upcoming with their talents showcase. Thank you to KePKAS for being our partner,” said Suresh.
SICC Food & Beverage Operations Director Mohd Firdaous Mohd Izhar, who represented the CEO Datuk Dr Rosmawati Lasuki, assured that SICC will continue to play its part in contributing to the success of the Sabah Hospitality Fiesta.
Also present were KePKAS Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai, the Events Organising Committee Secretary (for 25th Sabah Hospitality Fiesta & SOHEX) Mabel Cheong and MAH Sabah & Labuan Chapter Secretary Natalia Nadirah Saiman.
