Kota Kinabalu: The Taiwan East Coast Tourism Development Association (TECTDA) has embarked on a week-long study programme to learn about Sabah’s marine conservation efforts and best practices.
The visit was led by marine educator Summer Wu Pin Cheng. It was facilitated by Kinabalu Reef Resources director Hans Chong Jin Han, who is involved in coral conservation.
Advertisement
.gif)
“I brought my team to Sabah to learn about marine conservation efforts. This is the first time we have visited the state,” said Wu during a farewell dinner hosted by Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) chief executive officer Datuk Dr Rosmawati Lasuki at the convention centre.
Wu said he runs a project in Taiwan called the “Museum Without Walls Coastal Corridor Project” to educate people on reconnecting with the ocean.
The initiative was inspired by his extensive travels and work in Malaysia, Palau and the Philippines.
“These experiences have taught me that the ocean is not just an environmental issue. It is also a cultural, educational and community issue,” he said.
During the visit, TECTDA members visited Manukan Island to observe coral rehabilitation work undertaken by the Marine Research Unit of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.
The programme included the construction of coral frames and the study of coral restoration techniques.
Chong said he first connected with TECTDA nearly 10 years ago when its members visited Sabah to observe his conservation work.
“They have now returned after securing financial support from their government for coastal conservation projects in Taiwan,” said Chong, who has been appointed as a TECTDA conservation adviser.
Besides coral conservation, Chong said he is actively promoting an anti-drowning project.
A handbook has been produced for students as a safety guide.
“We are working closely with Sabah Parks to establish a marine education centre on Manukan Island and other islands identified by the Sabah Tourism Board,” he said.
He disclosed that a Memorandum of Understanding is expected to be signed with the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry (KePKAS) and Sabah Parks in July 2026.
The marine conservation study tour was also supported by Sabah Convention Bureau (SCB).
Its chief executive officer Noredah Othman said the visit could open opportunities for collaboration with Sabah’s conservation programmes.
“There is also the possibility of future investment. However, the main purpose of the visit is to learn from our conservation efforts,” she said.
She said the delegation also visited schools as part of its study programme.
“Conservation collaboration remains the key focus, although investment opportunities may emerge in the future,” she added.
Noredah said SCB sponsored the delegation’s daily ground transportation throughout the visit.
“That is a start. You never know how far such collaboration can develop,” she said.
She added that the visit also gave the delegation an opportunity to learn more about SICC and the events hosted there.
“Good opportunities should never be missed,” she said.
AIC Footprints Travel and Tours managing director Hirna Tahir, who arranged the ground handling, said the educational tour aimed to promote knowledge exchange and explore potential collaboration.
She said the delegation also paid courtesy visits to KePKAS permanent secretary Datuk Josie Lai and representatives of Sabah Parks and the Environment Protection Department (EPD) Sabah.
