21062025

SATURDAY | JUNE 21, 2025

COMMUNITY 7

Mural art workshop attracts 25 rural youths KOTA KINABALU: A total of 25 youths from Keningau participated in a three day Basic Mural Painting Course organised by the Sabah Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) from June 11 to 13. The programme held at Taman Bandukan Riverside Resort in Keningau, aimed to introduce young participants to mural art as a creative skill, offering potential career opportunities and income generation. The participants received both theoretical knowledge and hands-on training, covering fundamental painting techniques, paint application methods and live mural creation. The workshop is part of KBS’s ongoing initiative to enhance youth potential through market-relevant creative skills and arts training. The closing ceremony was officiated by Rafie Robert, honorary adviser to the Keningau Youth Club who was accompanied by Keningau Division Youth and Sports Assistant Officer Erzan Abdullah. In his address, Robert encouraged participants to leverage their newly acquired skills to pursue art more seriously and professionally. “Mural art is not just visual decoration. It can shape community identity and become a sustainable income source if developed commercially,“ he said. He stressed that such initiatives empower rural youths to showcase their talents in visual arts while enhancing the creative economy. – JOSHUA CHANG

Lai (sixth from right) presents a memento to Kugan during the courtesy call.

Sandakan to launch country’s first historical tree t rail

Ű BY JOSHUA CHANG newsdesk@thesundaily.com

initiative is expected to boost tourism and environmental awareness, he added. Meanwhile, Kugan lauded the initiative, calling it a “trailblazing effort” that blends conservation, heritage and tourism. Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests Dr Arthur Chung, a key member of the trail team, emphasised the unique project’s role in promoting sustainable eco-tourism. Also present at the meeting were Forestry Department officers, STAN representatives and members of the Sabah Society Sandakan, underscoring the broad-based support for this landmark project.

o Each tagged tree will feature QR code for interactive insights

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s east coast town of Sandakan is set to carve its name in the Malaysia Book of Records with the Historical Tree Trail project, a first of its kind in the country. The eco-heritage initiative is set to be officially launched by the Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS) on June 28. Developed with the Sabah Forestry Department, the trail will feature 42 prominent heritage trees tagged with QR codes, allowing visitors to explore Sandakan’s natural and cultural legacy.

Masjid Jamik with a stop at Agnes Keith’s House for the official Malaysia Book of Records certificate presentation. Over 200 participants from diverse backgrounds are expected to join the inaugural walk. Each tagged tree features a QR code for interactive historical and ecological insights, Lai said. This trail not only highlights Sandakan’s rich biodiversity but also positions the city as a pioneer in heritage conservation. The

The milestone was announced during a courtesy call by Sandakan Heritage Trail founder and chairman Lai King Hang to Chief Conservator of Forests Datuk Frederick Kugan. The project is a joint effort by the Sandakan Heritage Trail Committee, Sandakan Tourism Association (STAN) and MPS, with support from voluntary organisations. The route will commence at

Robert (second from left) presenting certificates to course participants.

New Nepal ambassador welcomed ahead of business mission KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Nepal Business Council (MNBC) hosted a warm welcome for new Nepal ambassador Dr Netra Prasad Timsina during a business fellowship dinner held at the Lake Club recently. trade logistics performer in the region. “Moreover, we are proud to be ranked the fourth most competitive economy in South Asia, reflecting our commitment to reform, openness, and growth,” he said.

Also present was Nepal Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Mudita Bajracharya. With a young and dynamic population forming the backbone of its economy, the country offers a vast and skilled human resource base at comparatively low cost of labour. Sectors where SMEs and entrepreneurs can thrive include agriculture and forestry, wellness tourism, manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, energy and IT. Nepal is home to 25 of the world’s top travel destinations and 21.9% of its industries are linked to tourism, Timsina stressed. “Nepal’s unparalleled natural beauty – from the majestic Himalayas to revered pilgrimage sites – presents immense opportunities for eco-tourism, trekking and cultural tourism ventures. “Sacred sites such as Lumbini,

The event also served as a precursor to a Malaysian business mission to Nepal starting July 2. The delegation will be led by MNBC president Datuk Pardip Kumar Kukreja and deputy president Datuk Seri K.K. Chai. Speaking during the Malaysia Nepal Business Networking Meeting in conjunction with the dinner, Timsina said “the door is wide open” for Malaysian businesses, investors and technology partners to collaborate with Nepali entrepreneurs and institutions. He stressed that there is scope for growth, trust and long-term success in tourism, trade, energy and technology. “Nepal today stands at the cusp of transformation. It has been recognised as having the third most favourable business climate in South Asia and as the fifth most competitive

Timsina (centre) flanked by Bajracharya and Chai at the networking event. With them is Pardip (second from left).

contributing to a skilled and growing talent pool for the digital economy. Over 60 Malaysian entrepreneurs attended the networking event to explore new opportunities.

There is also a strong push toward rapid digitisation and the expansion of the ICT sector. In 2021 alone, approximately 10,084 graduates completed IT-related courses,

Pashupatinath and Muktinath also attract spiritual seekers from around the world, making Nepal a centre for teleological pilgrimages and natural therapy,” he added.