KOTA KINABALU: Chief
Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman hopes to see more studies conducted on
traditional wellness systems in Sabah and also documented for the public
through books.
Sabah is blessed with plant
diversity as well as the traditional knowledge of its over 30 indigenous groups
which can be promoted and popularised, he said, adding there is value in
promoting local knowledge on wellness, not just for economic reasons but also
for further protection of the State's natural resources.
"There is no reason for
us not to popularise what we have locally.
We can also safeguard and
even strengthen local culture and heritage through the practice of wellness
from the traditional perspective," said Musa.
In some parts of the world,
high value is placed on traditional ways that lead to wellness and such
knowledge has expanded beyond the region of its origin, he said at the opening
of a two-day Wellness Journey Conference and Exhibition at the Sabah Trade
Centre in Likas, here, Saturday.
Advances in the wellness
industry, both modern and traditional, are in line with Sabah's focus on
promoting health-based tourism, as envisaged through several initiatives
including the Economic Transformation Plan (ETP).
In wanting to see higher
participation of local entrepreneurs in health-based tourism, Musa encouraged
them to form joint ventures with those in the know in order to create
opportunities that not only benefit the State but also help create quality jobs
for Sabahans.
He hoped those keen to
venture into this will make full use of the event to learn from the exhibitors.
He was also pleased to note
the presence of a number of non-governmental organisations like Befrienders KK,
Pink Ribbon, Sabah Cancer Society and Palliative Care Association at the
exhibition, as well as invited experts from Canada, Australia, Austria,
Singapore as well as local experts as speakers at the conference.
The event, jointly organised
by Maxx Media Sdn Bhd and Sabah Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals
Association (Swepa), features vendors and exhibitors who specialise in beauty
and health industries (spa, health, beauty and academy).
A new highlight for this
year's Wellness Journey, the second after last year, is a Wellness Garden, a
central gathering area that will allow visitors to rest and recuperate.
Designed to look like a
lush, verdant garden, it serves as a small stage area with attractions such as
a regular lucky draw as well as buy-and-win contest, which rewards visitors who
make purchases at the exhibition.
A variety of super deals
will also be on offer, providing heavily discounted products and services, in
addition to activities such as a blood donation drive by the Likas Women and
Children Hospital.
This year's Wellness Journey
also sees the return of the Wellness Conference, a two-day forum centred on
presenting information and talks delivered by a number of prominent players in
the health and wellness industries.
The talks are presented by
six international speakers, namely Singaporean wellness coach and consultant,
Julina Halim, Australian traditional and complementary medicine specialist,
Professor Gerard Bodeker, Canadian founder of bioessentials, Joanne Bruce,
Malaysian herbal medicine expert, Dr Sivakumar Kumaresan, Austrian health and
wellness consultant, Karina Lipold, and Singaporean wellness magnate Michael
Loh.
The event is open from
11am-8pm. (DE)
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