SINGAPORE: The Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office in Singapore (STATOS) is intensifying its efforts to promote Sarawak by expanding trade, tourism and educational cooperation to attract international participation and elevate the state’s global profile.
STATOS chief executive officer Chew Chang Guan said the organisation is committed to boosting Sarawak’s presence in Singapore with a comprehensive promotional strategy.
This move aims to position Sarawak not only as a major tourist destination, but also as a hub for education, corporate events, golf and cultural exchange.
“This initiative is expected to attract a broader range of visitors from various sectors and offer a diverse and high-value experience.
“Each campaign and collaboration has positioned Sarawak as a destination rich in unique experiences, appealing not only to tourists, but also corporate companies, students, and researchers,” he said at the Sarawak Warriors 2024 Awards and Appreciation Night at the Park Royal Hotel on Beach Road here, last night (Oct 22).
On the educational front, Chew shared that STATOS has received strong support from educational institutions and new partners this year, who have started sending students and tour groups to Sarawak, showing the state’s growing recognition as an educational destination.
For instance, Temasek Polytechnic has already sent two groups totalling 123 participants, with another visit planned for November. Similarly, Tanglin Trust School also sent two groups involving 200 students.
He added that several universities and polytechnics have signed memorandums of understandings (MoU) with plans to send students for industrial training programme in Sarawak, beginning in 2025.
“This is an important step that reflects the close cooperation and trust of the international academic community in Sarawak’s potential as a centre for quality education and training,” he said.
With these ongoing initiatives, Chew expressed confidence that Sarawak will continue to attract more international visitors and participants, further cementing its position as a preferred destination in the region.
Also present at the ceremony were Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and wife Datin Sri Zuraini Abdul Jabbar, Deputy Minister of Creative Industries and Performing Arts Sarawak Datuk Snowdan Lawan and wife Datin Melinda Claudia Bucking Lawan, Sarawak Deputy Secretary (Operations) Datuk Hii Chang Kee, Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts permanent secretary Datuk Sherrina Hussaini, Sarawak Tourism Board chairman Datuk Dennis Ngau, Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer Sharzede Datu Salleh Askor, and Malaysia Singapore Tourism Promotion Board director Norliza Md Zain.
