Sandakan Tourism Association (STAN) has partnered with Tourism Malaysia (TM) to launch a
Visit Sandakan Event Calendar in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign. This is part of
STAN and TM initiatives and promotional effort to further highlight Sandakan as the destination
of choice for travellers.
The Visit Sandakan Event Calendar was formally launched by Member of Parliament of
Sandakan, YB Vivian Wong in Sandakan today.
Also present at the ceremony were Teo Chee Kim, President of STAN, Johny Ronggitom –
representing the President of MPS, Mr. Walter Kenson, Puan Fariza Zakaria – representing the
Director of Tourism Malaysia Sabah, Puan Haryanty Abu Bakar, Jason Paujit – representing the
CEO of STB, Mr. Julinus Jimit, Dr. Arthur Chong, Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests, Sabah
Forestry Department, Lai King Hang, Chairman of Sandakan Heritage Trail Committee, members
of the industry and organisers of various upcoming events in Sandakan.
STAN’s President Teo Chee Kim, in his opening remark, said that this represent a coordinated
approach in promoting and showcasing what Sandakan has to offer.
“This is more than just a list of dates — it’s a celebration of who we are. From our rich history
to our amazing food, from our colourful festivals to our breath-taking nature and wildlife, every
event tells the world: This is Sandakan!”
“What is more exciting is that the iconic sun bear has been chosen as the mascot for VM26
campaign — and the world’s only Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) is located
right here in Sandakan. This presents a great opportunity to further enhance Sandakan’s
reputation as the must-visit destination in Borneo. So let’s us grab this opportunity, and
continue this meaning collaboration and purposeful connection to strengthen Sandakan’s
position and branding”, added Teo.
YB Vivian Wong, in her speech, commented that this Visit Sandakan Event calendar will become
another important platform to feature and showcase Sandakan to our people, and to the world.
With the recent downgrading of travel advisory to the east coast of Sabah by the Australian,
Japanese and USA governments, this is great news for Sandakan to re-emerge again.
As such, she thanks all industry stakeholders for their courage and effort in enduring through
the pandemic few years back and calls upon all them – Sandakan Tourism Association, Majlis
Perbandaran Sandakan, Tourism Malaysia, Sabah Tourism Board, our community, and our
event partners in the private and public sectors to embrace these events, participate actively,
promote them aggressively, and help make each one a success. The more we come together,
the stronger our identity becomes, and the greater the opportunities for our economy and
tourism sector.
Check Out the Visit Sandakan Event Calendar!
