Kota Kinabalu: Singapore Tourism Board officials were recently here to visit while exploring Sabah’s potential as a regular stop for international cruise ships travelling around Southeast Asia.
The delegation from the Singapore Tourism Board (SGTB) and Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore (MBCCS) met with Suria Capital Holdings Berhad to discuss integrating Sabah into regional cruise itineraries currently dominated by established Southeast Asian ports.
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Discussions centred on infrastructure development needed to accommodate large cruise vessels, with Suria Capital proposing a dedicated International Cruise Terminal as part of its Jesselton Docklands waterfront redevelopment project.
“Kota Kinabalu is uniquely positioned with its rich cultural heritage, pristine natural landscapes and growing tourism infrastructure,” said Suria Capital Group Managing Director Datuk Ng Kiat Min.
“We see great potential in establishing new cruise itineraries connecting Singapore and East Malaysia.
“These collaborations offer not only regional economic benefits but also opportunities for cruise passengers to enjoy authentic and memorable shore excursions that highlight the best of Borneo,” she said.
The proposed terminal would be designed to handle growing passenger volumes and meet international cruise facility standards, addressing current limitations that prevent larger vessels from docking at Kota Kinabalu Port.
Singapore officials shared regional cruise industry trends and operational insights during the visit, while Sabah Tourism Board representatives presented the State’s tourism attractions and outlined plans under the Visit Sabah 2026 campaign.
The initiative aims to place Sabah as a premier cruise destination in the region, potentially establishing regular routes that would bring thousands of international tourists to explore the State’s wildlife, cultural sites and natural attractions.
The visiting delegation included representatives from SATS-Creuers Cruise Services, the terminal operator for MBCCS, one of Asia’s leading cruise terminals and a key gateway for international cruise passengers arriving in Singapore, comprising Chief Executive Officer Gregory Tan, Head of Business Development and Marketing Jann How, Special Projects Head Jacqueline Ng and Operations Manager Muhd Rusyaidi.
They were joined by SGTB officials, namely Malaysia, Thailand and Brunei International Group Senior Manager Ting Lee Lee and Cruise Industry Development Policy and Planning Group Senior Manager Jocelyn Heng.
