Joniston and the Sabah Economic Conference committee at the meeting.
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai calls on local tourism players to support the upcoming Sabah Chinese Economic Conference, a game-changing event focusing on AI and drone technology.
Joniston, who is also the state Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister, highlighted the conference presents an opportunity for tourism players to actively embrace cutting-edge technology that holds immense promise for the state’s tourism industry.
In a meeting on Monday, the Sabah Chinese Economic Conference organising committee, led by Datuk Philip Yong, briefed Joniston on the event’s objective of exploring emerging technologies that can revolutionise businesses and government agencies.
The group also pointed out that AI and drone technology have the potential to transform tourism in Sabah, exemplified by how drones can be utilised for conducting search and rescue operations, thus elevating safety standards.
Sabah Tourism Board’s deputy chief executive officer Tay Shu Lan and STB MICE manager Normegawati Baiduri Sapian were also present during the meeting.
Supported by the state government, the Sabah International Convention Centre will host the conference on August 23.
The event aims to attract over 1000 participants including from government agencies and countries like China, the Philippines, and Thailand, providing an avenue for knowledge exchange and business networking.
Joniston reiterated the crucial role of local tourism players in solidifying Sabah’s position as a vibrant MICE destination while promoting the state to international participants.
He emphasised that the Sabah Chinese Economic Conference offers a remarkable chance for local tourism players to foster collaborations with international delegates, paving the way for innovative tourism offerings.
“By embracing AI and drone technology, Sabah can create a safe, innovative, and unforgettable destination that resonates with tourists from all corners of the globe,” he said.
