KeKPKAS to support fiesta

Liew (centre) with Lai (on her left) and the delegation displaying the events’ promotional poster. Wong, Krishnan, Suresh, Natalia, and Mohd Firdaous, from the left.

21 August 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS) will support the 25th Sabah Hospitality Fiesta as a co-sponsor, aiming to ensure the greater success of this prestigious international event.

The event is organised collaboratively by the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), Sabah & Labuan Chapter; Asian Tourism International College (ATI College); and Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), and will be held from 21st to 23rd November at the SICC.

Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew stated that KePKAS recognised the organisers’ 25 years of dedicated efforts in promoting Sabah’s hospitality industry.

“Your initiative to introduce the Sabah Hospitality Expo (SOHEX) as an integral part of the 25th Sabah Hospitality Fiesta from this year onwards is highly commendable. It is a strategic move in preparation for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.   We wish you all the best in organising these two major events. Do strive to attract more international participants from Asia and beyond,” she said, following a courtesy call from a delegation of the Events Organising Committee led by ATI College Chairman, Datuk Seri Wong Khen Thau, on Wednesday.

The Minister is expected to officially launch the events on 21st November.

SOHEX will feature 150 booths showcasing a diverse array of food, beverages, and hospitality services, including live cooking demonstrations for visitors to savour Sabah’s culinary delights. The Hospitality Mastery Competition at the 25th Sabah Hospitality Fiesta, which encompasses categories such as patisserie, Black Box Cooking, bartending, housekeeping, and floristry, is open to both professionals and apprentices from Malaysia and the international community.

Wong credited the 25-year success of the Sabah Hospitality Fiesta to the unwavering support from KePKAS, along with other sponsors. He, along with Event Organising Chairman Krishnan Mogan and the new Chair of MAH Sabah & Labuan Chapter, Suresh Ramasamy, expressed their appreciation to Liew for her ongoing support over the years.

“It’s our festival, especially for all hoteliers in Sabah. We want to nurture our emerging talent and showcase their skills. Thank you to KePKAS for being our partner,” said Suresh.

SICC Director of Food & Beverage Operations, Mohd Firdaous Mohd Izhar, who represented CEO Datuk Dr Hjh Rosmawati Lasuki, assured that SICC would continue to play its part in contributing to the success of the Sabah Hospitality Fiesta.

Also present were the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Datuk Josie Lai; Secretary of the Events Organising Committee (for the 25th Sabah Hospitality Fiesta & SOHEX), Mabel Cheong; and Secretary of MAH Sabah & Labuan Chapter, Natalia Nadirah Saiman.