SINGAPORE: Sarawak is strengthening its ties with Singapore through various initiatives led by the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (STATOS).
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said close collaboration with Singapore is a strategic move to capitalise on their long-standing bilateral relationship.
“These efforts are not only focused on promoting tourism but also extend to education and trade, aiming to attract more investors and students to the state.
“Sarawak and Singapore have a long history of collaboration, and we intend to seize this opportunity to further expand our economic and educational networks,” he said during the Sarawak Warriors 2024 Awards and Appreciation Night at the Park Royal Hotel on Beach Road here, on Tuesday (Oct 22).
Abdul Karim also underscored the state’s potential as a hub for educational tourism, offering diverse and unique learning experiences.
“We are seeing growing interest from Singaporean institutions in sending their students to Sarawak for exchange programmes and industrial training, which reflects the value and quality of what we offer,” he added.
Furthermore, he said that the economic cooperation has also been enhanced through initiatives such as discussions on direct electricity supply to Singapore, the development of data centres, and the export of Sarawak’s agricultural products.
“These initiatives are expected to boost the state’s economic growth and bring benefits to the local community.
“By expanding efforts in Singapore, Sarawak aims not only to attract tourists but also to become a preferred destination for education, innovation, and cultural exchange,” he added.
The event also featured the presentation of the 2024 Sarawak Warriors Awards for Best Travel Agency.
The awards aim to recognise the outstanding contributions of travel agencies and partners in promoting Sarawak as a top tourist destination over the past year.
EU Holidays Pte Ltd received the Gold Award, which included a trophy, certificate, a hamper of Sarawak-made products, and a prize worth RM9,000.
WTS Travel and Tours Pte Ltd won the Silver Award, receiving a trophy, certificate, a hamper, and RM6,000 while the Bronze Award went to Singatour Pte Ltd, who received a trophy, certificate, hamper, and RM3,000.
Additionally, the Sarawak Top Rainforest Warriors for Best Salesperson award went to Wong Sing Ling (Singatours Pte Ltd), Sabastian Lim (EU Holidays Pte Ltd), and Samantha Wun (WTS Travel & Tours Pte Ltd).
Each received a trophy, certificate, hamper, and SGD200 shopping vouchers.
