KOTA KINABALU: On Friday, two significant Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) were signed between Borneo Referral Group and GoGlobal Business School, with Vave Life Singapore, marking a new chapter in Sabah’s development as a regional centre for commerce, leisure, and sports.
Representing Borneo Referral Group was its Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Brandon Chin. GoGlobal was represented by its founder and director, Dr. Azeeza Jalaludin, while Vave Life Singapore was represented by Varad Kumaravelu.
Dr. Azeea explained that the MoU with Borneo Referral Group aims to foster a dynamic ecosystem that encourages business exchanges between Sabah and the wider global market. She emphasised that the primary goal is to create opportunities for businesspeople to come into Sabah for activities and networking, while supporting Sabahans in expanding their reach internationally. This collaboration is expected to generate increased business activity and strengthen economic ties.
The partnership involving GoGlobal Business School and Vave Life’s Sports League exemplifies how one agreement can build upon another, forming a comprehensive framework for collaboration. Central to these initiatives is the creation of an ecosystem where visitors and entrepreneurs can connect with government agencies, private companies, and local businesses, promoting greater synergy and economic growth tailored to Sabah’s distinctive strengths.
Additionally, the GoGlobal initiative is set to attract visitors and investors not only for business but also for leisure purposes. The concept of ‘playcation’, combining relaxation, games, and community activities—aims to showcase Sabah as a vibrant destination, appealing to both leisure tourists and business travellers alike.
Over the past year, the ‘Business Synergy and Growth Movement’ has been instrumental in promoting Sabah through the Go Global Ecosystem Programme. The initiative has organised over 50 online activities, reaching audiences in more than 20 countries, significantly boosting Sabah’s visibility without requiring many locals to travel abroad.
Looking ahead, a major event is scheduled for early October, with additional activities planned into the first quarter of next year. The upcoming media campaign will focus on three key themes: Sabah’s ecosystem development, its appeal as a business destination, and its potential as a tourism and lifestyle hub.
The movement is set to become an annual fixture, ensuring continued growth and global exposure for Sabah. Currently, several international destinations such as Bali, Zagreb in Croatia, Batam, and Penang are part of this network, with Sabah ranked 127th among them. The goal is to develop sustainable models locally, supported by dedicated teams on the ground, with the overarching strategy managed by the Singapore-based organisation.
Local logistics, such as hospitality, transportation, sightseeing, and event organisation—are handled within Sabah, ensuring the community benefits directly. Once a location is established, it is marketed across multiple countries to attract international visitors and investors.
Brandon expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “As a proud Sabahan, I am deeply passionate about seeing Sabah rise to its fullest potential. My vision is for Sabah to be recognised not only within Borneo but across ASEAN and around the world. Sabah has so much to offer, whether it’s sports, business, or tourism, and I believe that once people experience Sabah, they will never want to leave.”
He highlighted Sabah’s unique charm and potential, noting that international visitors can come for holidays, business, or sporting events. He emphasised that the cross-pollination of ideas and activities will help build a sustainable ecosystem that benefits everyone.
“The ‘Playcation’ project is a key focus, with the Replay sports and recreation centre in Karamunsing exemplifying this vision. It serves as a hub for activities such as pickleball, table tennis, and badminton, providing a space for communities to come together, have fun, and forge lasting relationships.”
Varad highlighted the success of Playcation, which has already occurred five times this year, with events marketed across seven countries. This regional approach allows people from places like India, China, and the US to choose Sabah as their destination, based on a calendar of year-round activities. The strategy aims to position Sabah as a vibrant hub for leisure and business, encouraging regional travel and collaboration.
A major advantage of Playcation is its integration with Vave, a technology platform with over 10,000 subscribers. Participants earn points through activities, which can be accumulated and potentially exchanged for future trips, even abroad. This innovative approach creates ongoing engagement, transforming leisure into a continuous cycle of participation and rewards.
Looking ahead, Varad expressed optimism about ongoing partnerships and Sabah’s potential. The combination of regional marketing, local tourism, and technological innovation positions Sabah as an emerging destination for leisure, business, and community building. With each event, Sabah moves closer to becoming a vibrant, sustainable hub for both locals and international visitors.-BNN
