Liew singing song, Tian Mi Mi.
KOTA KINABALU: The Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry (KePKAS) paid tribute to its outgoing Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew at a Farewell Appreciation Luncheon in her honour at Marriott Hotel here Tuesday.
A special video montage titled Trip Down Memory Lane, prepared by Sabah Tourism Board (STB), was screened to highlight her significant contributions to the nation’s tourism sector, particularly Sabah’s.
Among the key moments featured were Liew’s overseas engagements to promote Sabah as a premier destination in Australia, China, South Korea, Singapore, ITB Berlin in Germany and the World Travel Market in London. Also showcased were new tourism products such as the Elephant Food Corridor in Kinabatangan, the Sabah Cultural Complex in Kinarut, upgrades to the Bornean Elephant Sanctuary, enhancements to UNESCO World Heritage sites and improvements to existing tourism facilities, along with her support for community-based tourism.
Organising chairperson Datuk Josie Lai, who is also the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, said the event celebrated the remarkable service and legacy of the caretaker minister.
As emcee Trixie Carlena Richard noted: “Today, we are not saying ‘goodbye’ but ‘thank you’, and we wish Datuk Christina all the very best for the next chapter of her journey. We are celebrating her illustrious tourism career and the incredible impact she has made on the state’s tourism landscape.”
In her address, Liew recalled returning to KePKAS on January 11, 2023, by what she described as “a political twist of fate”. She said the past three years had been eventful and rewarding in terms of tourism growth, heritage preservation, environmental protection and wildlife conservation.
She stressed that her achievements were possible only through teamwork, thanking Assistant Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, Lai, senior ministry officials, officers, staff and heads of departments and agencies.
“Together, as one family, we shaped constructive policies, planned projects for sustainable tourism, advanced wildlife preservation and nurtured our cultural heritage,” she said.
Liew extended her appreciation to key agency leaders, including representatives from Sabah Parks, Sabah Wildlife Department, Sabah Museum, Environmental Protection Department, Sabah Tourism Board, Sabah Cultural Board, Sabah Convention Bureau and Sri Pelancongan Sabah.
She reminded KePKAS members to uphold organisational hierarchy, remain loyal to their superiors and the ministry and stay true to their principles and professionalism.
She urged them to strengthen their capabilities, address weaknesses and remain credible, resourceful and resilient in facing challenges.
“Be responsible, accountable and transparent to build a reputation of integrity that earns public trust and confidence,” she said.
“I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for your unwavering support and cooperation.”
Liew later took to the stage for a rare performance of her favourite song, Tian Mi Mi—the classic made famous by the late Taiwanese singer Teresa Teng—accompanied by Music Monster Entertainment.
