KOTA KINABALU: This year’s Sabah Fest Extravaganza is set to reach far beyond Kota Kinabalu, with live broadcasts enabling a wider audience to experience the state’s rich cultural showcase.
Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew said while the celebration is centred at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), the festival’s spirit and vibrancy will extend to viewers across Sabah and beyond.
“Although this year’s celebration is centered in Kota Kinabalu, we make sure the spirit of Sabah Fest reaches far beyond these grounds through live broadcasts on TV Sabah, Sabah Tourism Board, and HelloSabah,” she said when officiating the festival’s launching at the SICC Open Plaza here tonight.
“Our goal is simple: to share Sabah’s culture with as wide an audience as possible,” said Liew.
She said Sabah Fest is more than just an event, describing it as a stage where the “rich and mesmerising cultures of Sabah shine.”
“Every year, we are committed to curating new and special features that highlight the beauty and uniqueness of our cultural heritage,” she added.
Over the past month, Sabah Fest had featured an array of ethnic dances across several venues including Gaya Street, Imago Shopping Mall, Kota Kinabalu International Airport and Suria Sabah.
“Tonight, let us journey together through the traditions, rhythms and colours presented by our Sabah Cultural Board,” she said.
The Minister also called on the public to actively promote Sabah’s heritage.
“Take photos, record videos and share them with pride. Promoting Sabah is not just the work of a few, it is something all of us can take part in. Preserving our treasured heritage is a collective responsibility,” she said.
Among those present were the Ministry’s Deputy Permanent Secretary II Datin Dr Cleopatra Asing; Kota Kinabalu Mayor Dato’ Sri Dr Sabin Samitah; Sabah Tourism Board (STB) Product Manager Effendi Mahany, representing CEO Julinus Jeffery Jimit; SICC CEO Datuk Dr Rosmawati Lasuki; and Sri Pelancongan Sabah CEO Thonny Chee.
