The Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office — Singapore (STATOS) recently held Sarawak Warriors Award and Appreciation Night 2024 on October 22, 2024, at the prestigious Park Royal Hotel on Beach Road Singapore.
The main objective of the night was to acknowledge and appreciate the significant contributions of travel agents and partners in promoting Sarawak, as well as to foster stronger bonds between the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP), the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), STATOS and travel agents from both Sarawak and Singapore to ensure continued collaboration that can lead to sustained tourism growth.
This event was aimed to recognise the outstanding contributions of travel agents and partners in promoting Sarawak as a premier travel destination for the past year and to celebrate the remarkable efforts of STATOS’ partners in promoting Sarawak as a premier destination for tourism, education, and cultural exchange.
The welcoming remarks were presented by Chief Executive Officer of STATOS, Mr Chew Chang Guan, who welcomed distinguished guests YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak, YB Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak, Datu Hii Chang Kee, Deputy State Secretary Sarawak who is also the Director of STATOS, Datu Sherrina binti Hussaini, Permanent Secretary for Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak, YB Dato Dennis Ngau, Chairman of Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), and Puan Sharzede Datu Hj Salleh Askor, Chief Executive Officer for STB.
Also in attendance were Mdm Norliza Md. Zain, Director of Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board Singapore, Mr JC Chua, Honorary Secretary for the Association of Sarawak Inbound Agencies (ASIA), Mr Charlie Soh, Director of STATOS and Mdm Putrie Rozana Soraya, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of STATOS.
In his welcoming address, Mr Chew Chang Guan said, “The MTCP’s steadfast support for Sarawak’s tourism and creative industries is instrumental in propelling the state forward as a vibrant global destination… A special thanks goes to our partner, the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB). Together with STATOS, STB has worked tirelessly to showcase the beauty, culture, adventure, nature, food, and festivals that Sarawak offers, ensuring that the state remains a top choice for travellers.
“This evening, we celebrate the achievements of travel agents, schools, and key partners who have gone above and beyond in promoting Sarawak. We also extend our gratitude to the media and influencers who have been actively promoting Sarawak’s rich culture and attractions through their offline and online content, bringing the state’s beauty to a wider audience.
“To all our award recipients tonight, your dedication and passion have truly made a difference. You are the Sarawak Warriors — champions of Sarawak, spreading its wonders to a global audience.”
Meanwhile, YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah in his speech said, “Tonight is a night to celebrate the travel agents, institutions, and partners who have gone above and beyond to promote Sarawak. Your dedication, commitment, and passion not only brought more visitors to our shores but have also helped to elevate Sarawak’s reputation on the global stage.
“Tourism continues to be one of Sarawak’s most important economic pillars. By working together, we can create meaningful exchanges that go beyond leisure travel, promoting Sarawak as a place for learning, cultural immersion, and innovation.”
He also congratulated and thanked the winners for their contributions in making Sarawak’s tourism industry flourish and said that the MTCP stands ready to support the endeavours to ensure that Sarawak remains a welcoming, vibrant, and sustainable destination for all.
Two categories were awarded during the night, namely the Sarawak Warriors Award (Top 3 Best Travel Agency) and the Sarawak Top Rainforest Warrior Award (Top 3 Best Salesperson), along with appreciation certificates to schools and media partners that have conducted trips to Sarawak in 2024.
SARAWAK WARRIORS AWARD 2024 (BEST TRAVEL AGENCY) WINNER
GOLD: EU Holidays Pte Ltd (who received a customised trophy and certificate, a Sarawak-made product hamper, and RM9000 in prize)
SILVER: WTS Travel and Tours Pte Ltd (who received a customised trophy and certificate, a Sarawak-made product hamper, and RM6000 in prize)
Bronze: Singatour Pte Ltd (who received a customised trophy and certificate, a Sarawak-made product hamper, and RM3000 in prize)
Note: The above prizes are intended for the winning companies to offset in order to enhance their future offerings to their clients traveling to Sarawak, including tour arrangements, land components, welcome dance receptions and door gifts. The winning companies must get their Sarawak land operators, who are members of the Association of Sarawak Inbound Agencies (ASIA), to arrange for the enhanced components.
SARAWAK TOP RAINFOREST WARRIORS AWARD (TOP SALESPERSON) WINNER
Ms Wong Sing Ling from Singatours Pte Ltd
Mr Sabastian Lim from EU Holidays Pte Ltd
Ms Samantha Wun from WTS Travel & Tours Pte Ltd (all winners received a customised trophy and certificate, a Sarawak-made product hamper and SGD200 in shopping vouchers)