TAWAU: State Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Dr Andi Mohd Shamsureezal Mohd Sainal encouraged all tourism players in Sabah to apply for the Gamelan Galakan Melancong Malaysia (GGMM) and GSSP (Geran Sepadan Sektor Pelancongan).
Dr Andi, who is also Tanjung Batu Assemblyman, said the GGMM and the GSSP are being offered to strengthen the tourism sector in Sabah in preparation for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
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He told the media during a courtesy call by the South East Asia Regional Director of World Clown Association, Donny Ngu (Uncle Sunday), here, recently.
Dr Andi said the GSSP is designed to support high-impact programmes, particularly those organised by tourism players and the private sector, focusing on both domestic and international tourism events, while the GGMM aims to encourage the participation of tourism players in exhibitions.
“The Government initiatives are important in strengthening joint promotions and developing more competitive tourism products,” he said.
Meanwhile, Donny said the Borneo Clown Convention 2026 (BCC2026) will be held at Calvary Hall on Aug 3-5, making Tawau the “Asian Hub of Clown Arts & Joy Culture”.
“It is an international celebration of clowning, creativity and community. It is not just a show — it’s a cultural gathering where clown artists, performers, educators and creative communities from around the world come together to share joy and inspire hearts.
BCC2026 aims to position Tawau as an emerging hub for creative arts and an international event destination in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
According to Donny, BCC2026 will bring together 300 participants, including more than 50 international participants and trainers from US, Southeast Asia, Japan, Korea and other regions, alongside 250 local participants from Sabah, Sarawak, and Peninsular Malaysia.
Beyond a professional convention, BCC2026 serves as a cultural bridge, connecting global clowning communities with Sabah’s rich cultural heritage while generating tourism, economic and social impact.
