Taiwan-based Sabahan singer dines with 160 lucky fans

KOTA KINABALU: Due to the long standing history between China and Sabah, it is no wonder that Chinese tourists make up the majority of visitors to the State.

The relationship between the two were further exemplified during Sabah Tourism Board’s welcome dinner for Taiwan-based Sabahan singer, Gary Chaw, during which some 160 fans from China, Taiwan, Singapore and even Kuala Lumpur were treated to a sumptuous dinner with the star.

Officiating at the event was Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, Datuk Pang Yuk Ming, who welcomed guests with a short retelling of the heritage and bond shared by Sabah and China.

“In the olden days, the Chinese who came to Sabah for trading ended up settling down with locals. Legend also has it that even a Chinese prince had married a Sabahan,” said Pang.

Pang also mentioned a shipwreck found in Sabah waters, believed to have been a remnant from the Song Dynasty.

He also brought up the legend of Mount Kinabalu and the origin of the name ‘Kinabatangan,’ which were both rumoured to have ties in Chinese roots.

In the olden days, the Chinese who came to Sabah for trading ended up settling down with locals. — Datuk Pang Yuk Ming, Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister

“I hope that tourists will explore these historical sites apart from the islands and city areas,” said Pang, who also noted that Kota Kinabalu boasts some of the best sunsets.

Meanwhile, Pang added that many Sabahans speak Chinese, therefore eliminating language barriers.

The welcome dinner held at Shangri-la’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa was organised by Gary’s management team as a reward for the artist’s fans, in conjunction with the performer’s 10th year in the music industry.

During the dinner, fans were also treated to more local flavours with a performance by a home grown group clad in the Kadazan costume, singing local and international songs accompanied by traditional instruments such as the sompoton and kulintang.