Saturday, July 26, 2025

STB teams up with Sabah Society For The Deaf for inclusive Lampoopalooza

Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai officiates Lampoopalooza 2025, joined by Ministry Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai (2nd right); Sabah Tourism Board CEO Julinus Jeffrey Jimit (right); Vice Consul General of Indonesia Lingga Setiawan; Korean Consul General Yoon Ockchae; and Japanese Consul General Yamashita Yoshito (L-R). – photo courtesy of STB

KOTA  KINABALU : – The vibrant  Lampoopalooza  returned this year with a strong emphasis  on  inclusivity  as  the  Sabah  Tourism  Board  partnered with  the  Sabah Society for the Deaf Kota Kinabalu to ensure the celebration was accessible to all.

The celebration of creativity, innovation, and lights took centre stage at the historic Sabah Tourism Board building on Gaya Street.

Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew, in a speech delivered by Assistant Minister and Sabah Tourism Board Chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, highlighted the importance of making tourism events inclusive for everyone.

“We are especially  proud to team  up with the Sabah Society for the  Deaf Kota Kinabalu  this  year,  ensuring  that  this  celebration  is  welcoming  and  enjoyed  by everyone, regardless of ability,” she said.

Further  promoting  inclusivity,  the  Lampoopalooza  event  saw  the  participation  of students from Politeknik Kota Kinabalu in selling food and beverages.

These students are part of Politeknik Kota Kinabalu’s Program Sijil Khas Operasi Katering, a special  programme that offers deaf and  hard-of-hearing students the opportunity to start a career in catering operations.

Liew  commended  their  participation,  noting  that  it  not  only  enhanced  the  event experience but also provided valuable career-building opportunities.

The event also highlighted Sabah’s ongoing success in the tourism sector.

According  to  Liew,  Sabah  recorded  over  3.14  million  tourist  arrivals  in  2024, surpassing its 3 million target, with 1.26 million international visitors and 1.88 million domestic tourists, generating an estimated RM7.28 billion in tourism receipts.

“These  numbers  highlight  Sabah’s  strong  appeal  as  a  travel  destination.  More importantly, they reflect the dedication of everyone in our tourism sector and the confidence visitors have in our beautiful state,” she added.

Since its inception, Lampoopalooza has played a significant role in revitalizing Gaya Street, a historic area that has transformed into a bustling hub of cafes, restaurants, and hotels.

The event first took shape in 2018 when the Sabah Tourism Board celebrated the building’s  100th anniversary with a street event, inspiring an annual tradition that continues to grow.

Now in its third edition, Lampoopalooza has evolved beyond artistic innovation to incorporate social responsibility.

Last year’s emphasis on community engagement earned the Sabah Tourism Board the Best Community Engagement award at the Travel Daily Media Awards.
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“With  initiatives  like  Lampoopalooza, we aim to  make our city  more vibrant and welcoming to all.  Events  like these  help  us create  unforgettable  memories while strengthening community engagement,” Liew concluded.

Lampoopalooza brought a spectacular fusion of lights, music, and live performances. Local  artists  included  Isobahtos,  DJ  Yohan,  Maasmona,  Dabra  Sia,  and  Tuni Sundatang.

The  Sabah  Tourism,  Culture,  and  Environment  Ministry’s  permanent  secretary, Datuk Josie Lai, and Sabah Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit were present at the event.

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