By Mu Vitet
KOTA KINABALU: Taiwan has successfully implemented an agrotourism programme to develop its rural areas an initiative that aligns with the community-based tourism approach practised in Sabah.
Keen to enhance its rural tourism efforts, Sabah is looking to learn from Taiwan’s experience by incorporating agrotourism into its own community-based tourism initiatives.
In this regard, four rural tourism associations from Sabah have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with five Taiwanese universities to collaborate on agro- and community-based tourism development.
Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai witnessed the signing ceremony, which was held at a hotel here.
The Taiwanese signatories comprised Dayeh University, National Chi Nan University, Nan Kai University of Technology, Lee-Ming Institute of Technology, and the Taiwan Agro and Rural Tourism Association.
Sabah was represented by the Kiulu Tourism Association, Tambunan Tourism Association, Persatuan Pengusaha Kopi Tenom Sabah, and Persatuan Komuniti Wanita Kampung Tambatuon, Kota Belud.
The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) will facilitate the collaboration as part of its ongoing efforts to promote sustainable and inclusive tourism development.
Joniston, who is also STB Chairman, said the partnership aligns with the state’s Sabah Maju Jaya development plan, which identifies agriculture and tourism as key pillars.
He emphasised the importance of agrotourism in creating meaningful visitor experiences while directly supporting rural communities.
He said that STB has identified 51 agrotourism products across the state and is currently piloting a digital data platform in Kiulu to enhance rural tourism strategies.
Joniston said the collaboration witrh the Taiwanese universities would help build local capacity, promote knowledge exchange, and foster sustainable tourism projects rooted in local values.
Also present were Deputy Permanent Secretary I of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Mary Malangking, and STB Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit.
