Kiulu school poised to lead edu-tourism

Borneo Post

28-05-2025

Joniston welcomed by students in traditional attire performing the Botumban dance.
KIULU (May 28): SMK Tun Fuad Stephens here is well-positioned to take the lead in pioneering edu-tourism efforts as the area is fast becoming a popular summer camp destination, said Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
The Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Enviornment Minister said through such efforts students of the school could take an active role in showcasing their hometown to visitors, especially foreign students.
He said the school has the potential to become the main driver of such programmes, especially since it is the only secondary school in the area.
'With Kiulu already known as a destination for summer camps involving foreign students, there is great potential to develop edu-tourism programmes that involve our local students directly in showcasing their village,' he said at the school's Kaamatan celebration on Wednesday.
According to the Kiulu Tourism Association, Kiulu hosted 37 summer camp groups from United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand involving 851 students last year and first four months this year.
Joniston, who also chairs the Sabah Tourism Board, said one idea worth exploring is Kiulu Discovery Day concept, where schools in the area collaborate to host visiting students for immersive community-based learning experiences.
Joniston said the concept aligns with ongoing efforts to position schools in Kiulu as eco-tourism schools to empower students as ambassadors of their environment and culture.
The objective is to allow local students to act as guides and community ambassadors, giving visitors a first-hand experience of Kiulu's nature and rural lifestyle through hands-on activities.
'Our students can learn to become storytellers, which will help build their confidence and deepen their appreciation for their identity and culture, especially now that the school has established a tourism club,' he said.
He added that senior students at SMK Tun Fuad could also mentor primary school students during these programmes, giving them early exposure to leadership and teamwork.
Joniston stressed that the involvement of all stakeholders, including parents, teachers, the Education Department and tourism agencies, is essential to ensure such programmes can be fully realised and sustained.
'This initiative aligns well with our state and national tourism goals, especially as we head towards Visit Malaysia 2026.
'We should consider launching programmes that have the potential to involve schools or visitors from outside Sabah to further support our Explore Sabah campaign,' he said.
Joniston also noted the strong interest in tourism among Kiulu students, as shown by the participation of over 100 students from the school in a youth tourism programme organised by the Sabah Tourism Board and the Kiulu Tourism Association earlier this year.
He expressed hope that students will continue to embrace their cultural identity and view education not just as a personal journey, but as a tool to uplift their community and build a brighter future.
In the event, Joniston also launched the SMK Tun Fuad Stephens welfare fund.