Abg Jo: S’wak to have more national parks
Hospitality is an important sector as seen in 2017 when Sarawak managed to attract a total of 4.86 million visitors.
KUCHING: The Sarawak Government will establish more national parks to conserve the environment and create attractions for tourists.
This commitment was made by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg who said conservation and sustainability of the environment is part of the state government’s policy.
He added that establishing more national parks augurs well for the tourism industry as they attract tourists.
“Hospitality is an important sector as seen in 2017 when Sarawak managed to attract a total of 4.86 million visitors,” said Abang Johari at the welcoming dinner of UCSI Sarawak’s inaugural QS Subject Focus Summit for Hospitality and Tourism held at UCSI Hotel last night.
At the same function, he also officiated at the conferment of UCSI Sarawak as a Regional Centre of Expertise ( RCE) Kuching by the United Nations University for
Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, Chief Minister
championing six initiatives under the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
According to him, the visitors to Sarawak are mostly those who are into nature and adventure, thus becoming the main focus of the state’s tourism.
He added that this year, the state is expecting to see about 5.25 million visitors.
“If you want to see an orangutan, come to Sarawak. If you want to go shopping, you can go to Singapore,” he said.
Touching on the summit and UCSI Sarawak being recognised as RCE Kuching, Abang Johari said it is a milestone for the university.
He also congratulated UCSI for being among the top 10 universites in Malaysia based on the QS World University Rankings 2019 exercise.
In his speech, UCSI vicechancellor senior professor Dato Dr Khalid Yusoff said the summit is for the delegates to familiarise and update themselves with the industry’s best practices.
“Twenty guest speakers will be at this summit,” said Khalid, pointing out that the recognition of ‘ RCE Kuching’ for the university is the first of its kind in Sarawak.
About 300 delegates worldwide are attending the three- day ( Dec 5 to 7) summit themed ‘ The Way Forward: Hospitality and Tourism Education Convergence with Industry 4.0’.
The summit is organised to address economic impact and the implications of technology advancement on the hospitality sector.
It has identified four conference tracks under the theme that will mainly touch on paradigm shifts in curriculum development, rise of artificial intelligence, international collaboration, importance of accreditation, and issues involving salaries and employability.
Also present were Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong and Assistant Minister of Education and Technological Research Dr Annuar Rapaee.