Latest news with #RainforestWorldMusicFestival
The Star
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sarawak Tourism targets Singaporeans at travel fair
Tourism Malaysia (Singapore) director Norliza Md Zain (fourth from right) with travel industry players at the fair's Sarawak Pavilion. — Photo courtesy of STB WITH its lush rainforests and vibrant traditions, Sarawak is growing in appeal as a sustainable, culturally rich and accessible destination for discerning travellers. This was spotlighted by the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) at the Travel Malaysia Fair 2025 in Singapore early this month, targeting Singaporeans and the expatriate community with curated travel packages and authentic experiences. Singapore ranked among Sarawak's top five international markets last year, with direct flight connections to Kuching, Miri and Sibu. As such, STB leveraged the travel fair platform to further boost arrivals from the city state into Sarawak. 'Singapore has always been a vital market for us,' STB chief executive officer Sharzede Salleh Askor said. 'Our presence and participation reaffirm our commitment to deepen engagement with Singapore's travel community and reconnect with a mature market that values nature, heritage and convenience.' She added that the significant turnout of Singaporeans at Sarawak's renowned Rainforest World Music Festival last year reflected the strength of this connection and its potential to grow further. The Sarawak Pavilion at the travel fair featured five dedicated sellers, including established travel agencies Meidi Travel Solutions, Singatour and EU Holidays, offering specially curated packages highlighting Sarawak's ecotourism, culture, and adventure. The pavilion also served as a dynamic space for networking sessions with Singaporean travel agents to strengthen future collaborations and product development. 'We are confident that renewed marketing efforts, stronger partnerships and enhanced air connectivity, including 14 weekly flights operated by Scoot, will continue to drive momentum,' Sharzede said. STB's presence at the travel fair builds on the success of previous collaborative campaigns. This includes the 2024 Tripartite Campaign Agreement between STB, Scoot and the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (Statos), reinforcing Sarawak's growing presence in Singapore as a business and leisure as well as ecocultural destination. 'As Sarawak continues to attract travellers seeking immersive, responsible tourism experiences, events like the travel fair serve as a critical platform to maintain visibility, build partnerships and position the Land of the Hornbills as Malaysia's Gateway to Borneo,' Sharzede said.
Borneo Post
14-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak makes strong debut at Travel Malaysia Fair 2025 in Singapore
STB team poses with Singapore co-exhibitors at the fair. KUCHING (May 14): Sarawak marked a significant milestone with its inaugural participation in the Travel Malaysia Fair (TMF) 2025, held from May 2 to 4 at the Singapore Expo Halls. The Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) leveraged the platform to showcase the state's sustainable tourism offerings, rich cultural heritage, and diverse natural attractions to a broad international audience. In a statement today, STB said its presence at TMF 2025 underscores Sarawak's strategic focus on the Singapore market, which ranks among its top five international visitor sources. It stated that the fair provided valuable visibility for Sarawak as an accessible, nature-rich destination appealing to both Singaporeans and the city-state's expatriate community. STB chief executive officer Sharzede Datu Salleh Askor highlighted the importance of Singapore as a key tourism market for Sarawak. 'Our presence here strengthens ties with the travel trade and connects us with a mature audience that values nature, heritage, and convenience,' she said. She also credited the seamless air connectivity between the two regions – particularly the 14 weekly Scoot flights – as a major contributor to growing visitor interest, especially in events like the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF). The Sarawak Pavilion featured five dedicated sellers, including Meidi Travel Solutions, Singatour, and EU Holidays, who promoted curated travel packages focused on eco-tourism, cultural immersion, and experiential travel. STB also organised networking sessions with Singaporean travel agents to strengthen collaboration and encourage new tourism product development. 'It is more than just an exhibition presence, but also a reaffirmation of Sarawak's long-term tourism commitment to Singapore,' said Sharzede. She added that the effort builds on previous collaborations, including the 2024 Tripartite Campaign Agreement between STB, Scoot, and the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (Statos). The initiative also supports Sarawak's positioning as a leading 'bleisure' (business and leisure) destination, offering a unique mix of business appeal and travel experiences. 'Platforms like TMF 2025 help us stay visible and relevant, especially in competitive markets like Singapore,' she said.
Borneo Post
09-05-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
James Ritchie — My populist, enigmatic, free-spirited friend
This photo, taken in 1968 at the St Thomas' School football field, shows (from left) Dato Affandi Anuar, James and columnist – all at age 18. JAMES Alexander Ritchie and his brother George had landed in Kuching by ship, via Singapore, from Penang in December 1967. Their father Datuk Seri John Ritchie had been appointed as the new Police Commissioner of Sarawak in 1968, having transferred from Alor Star, Kedah. I had met James (nicknamed Sandy by family and friends) in January 1968 when he joined us in Lower 6 Arts at St Thomas' Secondary School; Georgie entered Form 4 at the same school. For a few months before his folks took up permanent residence at the official police quarters, James had stayed with me. James passed away suddenly, of a suspected heart attack, at a private clinic in Kuching at 11.45am on Saturday, May 3 this year – just seven weeks short of his 75th birthday on June 26. His final years had been ridden with minor health issues involving mobility as his legs were beginning to take their toll after years of traversing and wandering the length and breadth of Sarawak and Sabah. Since my career in the international film production services trade started in 1987, James had been one of my handful of 'co-conspirators' (loosely-termed comrades-in-arms) together with Eric Thein, Adrian Cornelius, Hairul Askor, and my daughter Dyan. He was the expert go-to for all things 'native', be it to source archival materials or historical research and personal anecdotes, to look up contacts and those who could assist us in our productions, as well as oft-times to work as part of my film crew. In my other endeavours like the Rainforest World Music Festival (which I had founded in 1997 with Randy Raine-Reusch, Edric Ong and Robert Basuik) and in my writing and journalistic career, James was always there, either in the background as a reference point, or as an enabler who knew or could locate the 'missing links and gaps' and the stories behind the bylines and the headlines. He could be relied upon and I had entrusted him with following through on many research projects, as well as introductions to sources who could be as remotely distanced as Long Banga or at the other side of the border into Kalimantan Borneo. We were both 17 when we had first met in school. We clicked and became part of a small group of other cohorts – I remember Abang Affandi Anuar (now Dato), John Najod, Edward Chai, Wilfred Gomez, Paul Chan, Peter Salang, Shamsuddin Ahmad, Hakim Ibrahim and a couple of others. We would spend afternoons at the Police Commissioner's Residence (Petra Jaya) – at one stage, a couple of us had even swam across the crocodile-infested Sarawak River to the Main Bazaar side from the banks of the Fort Margherita! In school, we were both senior prefects. James had excelled at sports and other outdoor extracurricular activities; I was more the 'nerdy' one at the debates and stuff like the school magazines, photography and science clubs, etc. With his boyish good Eurasian looks and charming demeanour, James was very popular among the students regardless of class and age. At the time, we had just started co-education classes with the St Mary's girls coming over from across the MacDougall Road to join us for many sessions. It was obvious that the girls were all swooning over him – and I bet a few ladies too! During school time, he was more interested in sports – he had excelled in rugby and field events. I remember that he was a good track runner and javelin thrower. During the evenings, he would also moonlight as a guest singer and had indeed joined a couple of local pop bands, one of which was called 'The Guests'. (From left) James and members of his first band, 'The Guests', in 1969: Jimmy Drahman, Sajali Julai @ Jalek, Ahmad Sulaiman and Sarbini Reduan, with their singer Rokayah Julai (seated). James had a strong and rich baritone crooner's voice, which found its natural home in popular songs of the day like 'Green Green Grass of Home', 'Help Me Make It Through The Night', and 'I'll Never Fall In Love Again'. His rendition of 'Widuri', especially at weddings, was always a show-stopper, and the audience would applaud in loud appreciation after he had finished. He could sing at ease among friends at casual meets, as well as at formal occasions in the presence of royalty and statesmen. He played the piano well and had an incredible repertoire of songs in his memory bank of melodies. It didn't take much persuasion for him to break into a song, any song, and anyplace was a stage – he would always attract an appreciative audience. James started his journalism career at age 21, as a cadet reporter at the New Straits Times in Kuala Lumpur in 1971. He made his name very early on with his exclusive reports on crime, major political events and high profile cases. These had included the Japanese Red Army raid on the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur in 1975, and the arrest of criminal Wong Swee Chin, more infamously known as 'Botak Chin'. In 1981, James was posted back to set up the New Straits Times office in Kuching. Later he became executive director at Eastern Times in 2006 and the same position at the New Sarawak Tribune in 2010. James had also served as a public relations officer in the Chief Minister's Office in 1998; as media consultant for Sarawak Digest in 2022; and editorial advisor at Sarawak Tribune in that same year. He made many friends in high places. Aside from his lifelong passion for writing (he was always in search of the next big story), James' other passions in life were rugby, bodybuilding and singing. He had once played rugby for Selangor, and also the Malaysian national team. James was personally involved in many of my film production shoots in Sarawak and Sabah. I recalled that for my first Hollywood feature in 1987, called 'Farewell to the King', he had assisted in my casting call and had suggested our mutual friend and former classmate Wilfred Gomez Malong for the main role as the local Iban chief. It was a very good call! In 2000 for 'The Sleeping Dictionary', James had also helped suggest certain locations for our filming. After that I had recruited him as my 'Native Guide' for my IMAX/Disney shoot called 'Sacred Planet', which took us to Mulu and parts of Sabah. He was my liaison between the wandering Penan tribesmen and was also instrumental in introducing me to Petrus Raja Bilong, among others. James with his beloved Penan friends, in this photo taken in the 1990s, in the Mulu region. In the years since then I had James work with me on documentary shoots for the BBC, Discovery Channel, ABC, CBC and Travel Channel, which had often taken us off the well-trodden trails into very remote and inaccessible places like Long Banga, Ulu Lemanak, Ulu Limbang, the highlands beyond Long Napir, and many other places within Sarawak. His personal contacts and his love and passion for the people he met throughout his life – be they from the hallowed halls and corridors of power, the common man on the street to the 'kampong' (village) kid or maiden – were unsurpassed. He spoke their language most of the time, and was able to 'sweet-talk' the most hard-headed village chief to either open doors, or tell us stories of long forgotten secrets. I have many fond memories of James etched in my mind: the sight of him holding up an umbrella to shed against the sun as he sat inside a longboat going up the river at Mulu; his need for hot water every time he needed to take a bath; his prodigious drinking habits – he could and would drink anything offered to him. I seldom see him totally blind drunk, but he did get intoxicated. James seldom lost his temper, neither had he ever spoken badly of anyone. At many Chinese New Year open houses of mine and other friends' homes, he would bring a big entourage of his friends to accompany him – there would be women and children too! His love for animals was well documented; stray dogs were his forte. At one stage, he had even offered to gift me a pony that someone had given to him! During his life, James had published 45 books on all kinds of subjects. His first book was completed at age 37. He wrote about the lives of royalties; national and state leaders; distinguished personalities and famous or infamous people; as well as on subjects ranging from man-eating crocodiles to remote places and events. His subject matters had been as varied and versatile as the man himself. In 2012, Regina Fabiny of Leisure Guides KL had brought James and I together, with others like Edric Ong and Dona Drury-Wee to contribute to The Guide to Sarawak, a publication commissioned by the Sarawak Government. It was the only time we had collaborated on a book, which was published in 2015. Photo, taken in 2012, shows (from left) James, Drury-Wee, Regina Fabiny and the columnist during the collaboration on 'The Guide to Sarawak' book. James' last and most recent book was launched on May 21, 2024, titled 'Bujang Berani – Patriots, Warriors and Unsung Heroes', which highlights the sacrifices of soldiers and police officers in defending and honouring the sovereignty of Sarawak. His Excellency Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, a close personal friend since the days when James' father was the state's police commissioner, had graced the occasion in launching the book. James, in a photo taken at one of his book launches in 2023. Over the years, James had won more than 20 state and national awards. In 2023, he was given the Special Jury Award at the annual Malaysian Journalism Awards by his peers in the media. Last year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim presented him with the 'Tokoh Hawana' (Journalism Icon) Award at the National Journalists Day, culminating a lifetime body of work. Upon hearing of his demise last Saturday, I was inundated with texts, calls and emails from family, friends and even people I did not know (but who had either seen or read my posts on social media or in my WhatsApp groups). (From left) James, at a 2024 book launch with Wan Junaidi and wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi. From London, I had received a text from the Earl of Cranbrook, a personal friend of James, which said: 'My condolences to the family and friends of James Ritchie who was an amazing historian of modern times. From Lord Cranbrook.' From Jason Brooke in England, an email had arrived: 'I am afraid I don't have a contact for James' family, but if you get a chance, I would be grateful if you would pass on my sincere condolences. 'James was almost the first person I met in Sarawak way back in 2008 and was always a kind and welcoming host and an enthusiastic teller of colourful Sarawak stories. 'He felt very much part of the fabric of Kuching society and will be sorely missed. 'My sympathies, Jason.' From Dato Lim Kian Hock, away visiting family overseas, I had received this: 'I recalled having known James since 1975 when I was at my DO's Wan Ali Ibrahim's office. When I was the DUN secretary from 1980 to 1999, he had written the book called 'A Gentleman's Victory for Taib Mahmud' on the Ming Court political crisis of 1987. 'In 2000, James had helped the Australian Z Unit Commando Jack Tredea with his Bario trip and much later wrote about it in an interview with Tredea, and published it. 'For his exploration, journeying and stories on heritage sites and his many profound literary achievements and most of all his friendship James' passing is a great loss to the local community and I will miss him very much.' James' remains were cremated on Tuesday, May 6, and entombed at the Nirvana Memorial Hall at Jalan Batu Kitang near Kuching. He is survived by wife Helen Tan; daughter Rebekah Dawn Ba'o Ritchie, son-in-law Darren Chang and grand-daughter Hela Rae Ritchie-Chang. (From left) The columnist with the widow Helen, James' brother George and his wife Susan Wong during the funeral wake on May 5, 2025. Jason also had four siblings: Richard, Cynthia, Audrey and George. The best tribute I can think of for my dear departed friend, 'Sandy', is that he had lived a life that he would never would have thought possible in his wildest dream, and he had lived it to the brim, and to such a respectably advanced age of 75! Yes, he had done it 'his way'! Because at 17, so very many years ago, we had spoken aloud to each other then, that we'd both probably be among the ones who would go 'before our time' because we had felt we had 'such a lotta livin' to do' (to quote Elvis). I know that Sandy would have added if you'd asked him: 'No, I have no regrets…none at all!' We didn't get a chance to say our goodbyes; James had missed our last class reunion on March 29 due to bad weather. But at our age, every day is one more bonus day of 'God giving' living for us. We always had this unspoken 'brotherhood' closeness between us, so despite no proper goodbyes – Sandy, we'll be meeting again soon on that bright and shining shore, risen in glory! Rest ye well, my dear friend. And it's just 'adieu' for now, not goodbye. * The opinions expressed in this article are the columnist's own and do not reflect the view of the newspaper.
The Sun
05-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia Airlines – confident on tourism growth, mindful of headwinds
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airlines is confident on the continued recovery of tourism in 2025 and beyond, supported by stronger consumer confidence, greater mobility and improved economic conditions. However, the airline remains cautious, as rising tariffs, inflationary trends and global supply chain disruptions are expected to exert ongoing pressure on its operational costs. Malaysia Aviation Group chief commercial officer of airlines Dersenish Aresandiran said as a premium carrier, Malaysia Airlines is focused on delivering a compelling product offering that supports long-term growth. This includes ongoing fleet modernisation, enhanced passenger comfort and an overall improved travel experience. 'We are committed to ensuring network accessibility, offering flexible fare options and strengthening customer engagement through our Enrich loyalty programme and lifestyle integrations,' he told SunBiz. Dersenish said enhancing partnerships with government stakeholders to boost incentives for domestic travel, particularly during peak travel periods, remains a critical strategy. He noted that as the national carrier, Malaysia Airlines is working closely with Tourism Malaysia in supporting the goals of Visit Malaysia 2026 in strengthening air connectivity across the country and enriching the domestic tourism landscape. 'In tandem, we are actively working with state tourism bodies, including Sarawak Tourism Board, to support events such as the Rainforest World Music Festival, and Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) to continue positioning Langkawi as a top-tier domestic destination. These collaborations reinforce our commitment to growing Malaysia's domestic tourism ecosystem and supporting regional economic development,' he said. Malaysia Airlines has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) to put in place promotional activities. 'Building on past festive season initiatives that boosted travel through subsidies, promotions and targeted discounts, there is strong potential to formalise and expand these partnerships. 'By working closely with tourism boards, regional governments and related ministries, new incentive schemes such as travel vouchers, accommodation subsidies and special fare promotions can be developed. 'These initiatives would not only stimulate higher domestic travel demand during high-traffic periods but also support broader national tourism recovery goals, promote regional economic activity, and strengthen public-private sector cooperation in the travel and aviation industries,' Dersenish said. The airline has seen increased domestic airport arrivals (+6.1%), validating the importance of maintaining and optimising intra-Malaysia routes. Among the destinations that recorded significant year-on-year increases in passenger load factors from Kuala Lumpur are Bintulu (+11%), Langkawi Tawau, and Sandakan (+9%), Miri and Penang (+8%), Alor Setar, Kota Bharu, Kuantan, and Sibu (+7%), Kuching, Kuala Terengganu and Labuan (+6%), and Johor Bahru and Kota Kinabalu (+4%). Meanwhile, sister airline Firefly saw its domestic passenger load factors increase by more than 6% in 2024 versus 2023, driven by key routes such as from Subang to Penang and Johor Bahru. In terms of increased capacity, the top domestic routes that saw an increase in available seat kilometres (ASK) year-on-year are Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bharu (+19%) and Johor Bahru (+10%) by Malaysia Airlines, and from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau (+77%) and from Kuching to Tawau (+33%) by Firefly, respectively. Dersenish said Malaysia Airlines has strengthened its network connectivity, particularly to high-demand coastal and beach destinations, reflecting the growing interest in these routes. In addition, the airline has ramped up its marketing efforts to promote domestic tourism through the 'Bonus Side Trip' programme which includes seven key destinations: Alor Setar, Langkawi, Johor Bahru, Kota Bharu, Kuala Terengganu, Kuantan and Penang. This initiative supports Malaysia's economic growth while contributing to the broader ambitions of Visit Malaysia Year 2026. Touching on fleet modernisation and expansion, Dersenish said Malaysia Airlines' commitment to modernise its fleet is underscored by the recent orders for the Boeing 737-8 and 737-10 aircraft under the second phase of its narrow-body replacement programme. He added that this investment will enhance fuel efficiency, reliability and the overall passenger experience. 'The 737-8, which has been in service with Malaysia Airlines since 2023, marks the beginning of our narrow-body fleet renewal. Additionally, we are upgrading some key domestic flights, including services to East Malaysia, by introducing wide-body Airbus A330 aircraft during peak times to increase capacity and enhance cargo capabilities,' Dersenish said. Malaysia Airlines remains committed to supporting national connectivity and affordability. During major festive seasons, Dersenish said, the government deploys subsidised fixed-fare promotions to ensure travel remains accessible to all Malaysians. 'Meanwhile, we are enhancing Firefly's connectivity from Subang with over 2,100 weekly flights to eight destinations, including Kota Kinabalu and Kuching,' he added.
New Straits Times
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
Sarawak in talks to bring US artist for exclusive performance this October
KUALA LUMPUR: The Sarawak government is in negotiations to bring a well-known artist from the United States for an exclusive performance in Kuching this October, said Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. In a report published by TVS, Karim said that staging large-scale concerts has had a positive impact on Sarawak's tourism sector, attracting visitors from neighbouring countries such as Indonesia and Brunei. Kuching and Miri, he added, have now become major attractions for foreign tourists, who visit not only for entertainment but also to enjoy the tourism products offered in Sarawak. "If an event is held in Kuching, particularly if it involves singers or performers well-known in neighbouring countries, we can see a significant increase in the number of vehicles entering Sarawak from the border. Featured Videos "For example, during last year's countdown event, the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex in Tebedu experienced congestion for three consecutive days. "Visitors from West Kalimantan knew that Hetty Koes Endang would be performing," Karim was quoted as saying. He also said that Earth, Wind and Fire will perform at the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2025. "Nevertheless, it is important to feature local artists in every major event as a way to build confidence and strengthen the talents of the local creative industry," he added.
