Penampang students to promote Sabah at Sweden conference
KOTA KINABALU: The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment will sponsor souvenirs from Sabah for a student delegation attending the Swemun 2019 Conference in Sweden next month.
Its minister, Datuk Christina Liew, said the six students of SMK Limbanak, Penampang deserved support as they will be playing the role of ambassadors for Malaysia, Sabah in particular.
They are Form Six students Jeromie Lam Chung Pei (group leader), Xlee Jude and Jennelle Jess Jammy and Form Four students Melfrance Jill Jouting, Ivan Nicholas Norrand and Carmen Darius Joiwin who will be representing Malaysia.
“I am happy for you. Given that there will also be participants from 20 other countries, I am certain you will have a great cultural exchange.
“While you gain exposure and enrich your experience in Sweden, do capitalise on the golden opportunity to promote Sabah as you exchange notes. Tell the world what Sabah has to offer to tourists and visitors,” the minister told them during a courtesy call.
The students were accompanied by Assistant Minister of Education and Innovation, Jenifer Lasimbang and Moyog Kapitan Cina David Ng Chi Fong.
The conference will be held at the Falun Frigymnasium in Falun, Sweden. Other participating countries are United Kingdom, USA, Russia, France, Canada, China, Japan, Sudan, South Sudan, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Venezuela, Germany, Portugal, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Czech Republic, Spain and Netherlands.
The students will be chaperoned by four teachers - Anita Asin (delegation chief), Doris Kok (student welfare), Jovita Claudius (finance) and Norberta Jualin (student welfare).
Briefing the minister on their “Fly Us and Our Culture to Sweden” proposal, presenter Ivan Nicholas said Swemun stands for Sweden Model United Nations (MUN).
“MUN is a role-play of the actual United Nations (UN). It is an extracurricular activity that stimulates delegates to debate and discuss the current issues that are happening around the world,” he explained.
He said the objectives of the trip are to promote Sabah’s traditional dances and costumes, food and handicraft products, to experience the Swedish culture, to develop leadership skills and to enhance vital skills in communication, public speaking, negotiation, conflict resolution and research.
“We want other people from all around the world to know where Sabah is located and about our different ethnic groups. We will be wearing our traditional costume and performing the Sumazau.
“In our sharing session, we will let our counterparts from other countries know that Sabah offers unique destinations such as Danum Valley, Kinabatangan River, Mount Kinabalu, Sepilok Naure Resort, Lankayan Island and Sipadan Island,” he added.