18/07/2025

LYFE FRIDAY | JULY 18, 2025

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Wonderful Borneo

o Kota Kinabalu to host National Art Gallery showcase

creative economy, this programme also seeks to raise public awareness of the role of arts and culture in shaping identity and fostering national unity,” the statement said. The event will also serve as a platform for unity through strong collaboration among various parties, including grassroots communities, youth, educational institutions and creative industry players. “Throughout the three-day event, there will be various engaging activities including an artisan arts market, art demonstrations, exhibitions by arts and cultural institutions, community engagement programmes, sharing sessions, as well as musical and cultural performances featuring artistes from Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei,” said the National Art Gallery. The programme will also be enlivened by the participation of arts collectives and organisations from across the Borneo region.

K OTA KINABALU is set to become the regional centre for arts and culture when the National Art Gallery hosts the large-scale Borneo Creative and Culture District (BCCD) programme for three days, beginning Sept 26. According to a statement by the National Art Gallery, the programme aims to establish an inclusive and dynamic creative and cultural hub by bringing together elements of heritage, culture and innovation through activities that encourage participation from various sectors. “In addition to strengthening the tourism sector and boosting the

The programme aims to establish an inclusive and dynamic creative and cultural hub. – PIC FROM INSTAGRAM @BALAISENINEGARA

exposure that could elevate local talent to greater heights. “It is hoped the programme will position Kota Kinabalu as one of the key arts and culture development centres in the Borneo region, while enhancing the city’s presence on the regional cultural map.” – Bernama

District is seen as a key platform to strengthen the regional arts and cultural ecosystem,” the statement read. At the same time, the event is expected to open doors for broader collaborations, direct cultural exchange, and international

It is supported by the Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry, Sabah Art Gallery, and various agencies and local authorities. “As a pilot programme that unites stakeholders from across the region, the Borneo Creative and Culture

Greater connectivity via Malaysian airports MALAYSIA has welcomed the arrival of Loong Air’s new inaugural flight of Xi’an–Kuala Lumpur route at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 2 earlier this month, marking a key milestone in strengthening tourism ties and economic cooperation between Malaysia and China.

This new route, operated by a 174-seat Airbus A320, will fly three times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. This expansion supports Malaysia’s strategic goals for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), which aims to welcome more Chinese travellers, currently one of Malaysia’s top tourist source markets. From January to April 2025, 1.44 million visitors from China were recorded – a 37.8% increase compared with the same period in 2024. The momentum is further supported by Malaysia’s visa-free entry policy for Chinese nationals, extended until Dec 31, providing convenient access and encouraging longer stays. KLIA also expanded its international network and strengthen its regional hub status with the latest arrival of Juneyao

Tourism Malaysia deputy chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin (third from right) together with Loong Air vice president (overseas business) Li Dong.

early May. In related news, Scoot, the low cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA), announced the launch of new flight services to Da Nang and Nha Trang in Vietnam, and Kota Bharu in Malaysia. These flights will commence progressively between Oct and Nov. With the launch of services to Kota Bharu, Da Nang and Nha Trang, Scoot will operate 115 weekly flights to 12 cities in Malaysia and 44 weekly flights to five cities in Vietnam.

Airlines, also from China. The airline operates four direct flights weekly from Shanghai Pudong International Airport using the Airbus A320, enhancing convenience for business and leisure travellers while offering greater flexibility and choice on this key route. Juneyao Airlines is now the fifth carrier to operate direct flights on the Shanghai–Kuala Lumpur route. This new service also marks the airline’s second destination in Malaysia, following its entry into Penang in

Elevating Malaysia’s inbound tourism RESORTS World Genting (RWG) and Trip.com Group have (From left) Trip.com Group managing director and vice president of international markets Boon Sian Chai, RWG executive vice president of sale, marketing & PR Spencer Lee and Trip.com Group general manager and vice president of international business attractions & tour Chase Liu at the MoU signing.

instant confirmations, and rate parity across both platforms, providing a streamlined and hassle-free booking experience for users. The group’s customers will enjoy offers and enhanced convenience when planning their visit to RWG. This collaboration is also a strategic move in anticipation of Visit Malaysia 2026, supporting Tourism Malaysia’s mission to promote the country as a top travel destination. The integration will also enhance RWG’s participation in the group’s signature campaigns and flash promotions by allowing automated updates of room rates and availability, ensuring quick responsiveness and dynamic pricing flexibility.

signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU), aiming to boost Malaysia’s inbound travel, leveraging the group’s global audience as RWG’s top supporting online travel agency. The MoU marks a milestone in connectivity, marketing innovation, and market-specific engagement, reflecting both organisations’ commitment to delivering seamless, personalised, and elevated travel experiences for international tourists. A feature of the partnership is the first-ever direct API integration between the group and RWG’s hotel and theme park booking systems. This connectivity enables real-time inventory updates,

A water cannon salute greeting Juneyao Airlines’s inaugural flight to Kuala Lumpur.