Liew (middle) presenting a token of appreciation to Joanna.
KOTA KINABALU: Xiamen Airlines, a full-service airline in China, will reinstate their direct flight service to Kota Kinabalu with effect from June 27, said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew.
Speaking to reporters after officiating at the inaugural Bayu Seni: Sabah’s Ethnic Cross-Cultural Digital Exhibition held at the Imago Shopping Mall here Tuesday, she said the scheduled flights will be three times per week.
“I have another good news for the hospitality and tourism industry. Shanghai Airlines will launch their scheduled flight from Shanghai direct to Tawau with effect from June 28,” she said.
Earlier, in her opening address, the Minister said the gathering was to celebrate the merging of artistic talent, culture, technology and innovation across the BIMP-EAGA region.
Expressing her appreciation
to the BIMP-EAGA Facilitation Centre for their continuous support in promoting regional cooperation and cultural exchange, she acknowledged that their efforts in bringing together the diverse talents from the BIMP-EAGA region have been instrumental in the success of Bayu Seni.
“Bayu Seni, which means ‘the wind of art’ in Malay, showcases the diversity of cultures through digital art. As we launch and conclude this event, we proudly celebrate this year’s theme ‘Indigenous and Experimental’. This theme highlights the rich heritage of our indigenous communities and our commitment to cultural innovation and technological progress,” she said. Liew described the event as especially significant as it aligns with Ka’amatan Month, a tribute to the unique cultures of Sabah.
“By hosting Bayu Seni during this festive period, we aim to spotlight the artistic talents of Sabah and its neighbours within the BIMP-EAGAregion – Sarawak, Labuan, Brunei, Indonesia and the Philippines – enhancing our
mutual understanding and appreciation of our heritage.”
Liew commended the organisers – Sabah Art Gallery (under the Sabah Cultural Board) and KDCA Women Council – and other key players like the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Sabah Tourism Board, and Ministry of Higher Education through the Socio-Cultural and Education Working for having contributed to the success of Bayu Seni.
“A special thank you to IMAGO Shopping Mall for providing the venue for this event. Their support has been crucial in bringing this vision to life and ensuring art is accessible to everyone.
“IMAGO’s partnership has not only provided a space for cultural enrichment but also contributed to the promotion of our local economy and tourism sector,” she said.
The impact of this event extends beyond the arts as it acts as a powerful spark for tourism, positioning Sabah as a global hub for cultural and technological exploration, added the Api-Api Assemblywoman.
Also present were Deputy State Secretary Datuk Hajah Diyanah Abdullah, Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Josie Lai Mei Sing, Sabah Cultural Board Chairman Dikin Haji Musah, Sabah Cultural Board General Manager Mackey Apison, Sabah Art Gallery Director Sara Elisya Ahmad Shah, KDCA Women Council Chairperson Joanna Datuk Kitingan, Member of the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) cum Chairman of Sabah Film Ecosystem Development, Yee I-Lann, and Asian PAC Holdings Berhad Executive Director Dr Raymond Yu Tat Loong.
