Profile of Mr Albert Teo Chin Kion (Managing Director)
A graduate in Economics (Honours) from the University of London in 1977, Albert Teo has been in the tourism industry for the last thirty six years.
Over the three decades, he has been a hotelier, tour operator, lodge and backpacker owner and operator, photographer, author, publisher, conference organizer, ecotourism consultant, speaker, lecturer and social entrepreneur. Albert is presently working on designing and building two new ecolodges in Sabah.
A keen photographer, he has trekked over 1,000km in Borneo and published over 200 postcards designs, motivational bookmarks and Photo CDs of Borneo, published ten books including the best selling Sabah -Land of the Sacred Mountain, Journey through Borneo, Saving Paradise-The Story of Sukau Rainforest Lodge authored with Carol Patterson and the latest book, A Souvenir of Sabah Malaysian Borneo.
His companies Borneo Eco Tours and Sukau Rainforest Lodge have won numerous international ecotourism awards including Asia's Leading Green Hotel at the 17th World Travel Award 2010 and the 2012 SKÅL International Sustainable Development in Tourism Award for Tour Operator at the 73rd SKÅL International Congress in Korea.
Albert Teo has organized four highly successful international ecotourism conferences in Malaysia including World Ecotourism Conference and Field Seminars 1999, Asia Pacific Ecotourism Conference APeco2002, Borneo Ecotourism Conference BEC2005. He co-convened the Borneo Tourism Conference BTC2007 in Kuching with Professor Ross Dowling of Edith Cowan University, Australia in September 2007. Albert is presently focusing his energy on developing social entrepreneurship through his community/environment foundation, Borneo Ecotourism Solutions and Technologies or BEST Society www.bestsociety.org .
Albert has served in various positions in the tourism industry including Sabah Chapter Chairman of Malaysian Association of Tours and Travel Agents MATTA, Chairman of Sabah Tourist Association, Advisor of The International Ecotourism Society TIES, USA, marketing committee of Sabah Tourism Board and member of Sabah Tourism Consultative Council STCC. For the last five years, Albert was a member of the finalist selection committee for the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards of World Travel and Tourism Council WTTC.
In the last few years Albert travelled around the Asia Pacific countries as a keynote speaker on ecotour and ecolodge operations. In October 2006, Albert was appointed Adjunct Lecturer by Edith Cowan University, Australia for his contribution to the ecotourism industry. In 2012, Albert was conferred a Fellow of Edith Cowan University for his work with the university as well as his philanthropy, community and social work.
Finalist Judging committee - Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, World Tourism and Travel Council
2005/ 06/ 07/ 08/ 09/ 10
Organising Chairman - East Asia and Pacific Regional Council of Cheshire Homes 10th Biennial
General Meeting
2010
Books and Videos Published
1. Sabah - land of the Sacred Mountain
1988
2. Exotic Islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park
1989
3. Sabah-land of the Sacred Mountain (video)
1990
4. A Guide to Sandakan
1990
5. A Guide to Brunei Darussalem
1992
6. Journey through Sabah (video)
1993
7. Journey through Borneo
1994
8. Images of Borneo
1996
9. Saving Paradise
2005
10. A Souvenir of Sabah Malaysian Borneo
2008
Papers presented
1.
Tapping Investment Incentives in the Tourism Sector – Operational aspect of applying for the special funds for tourism projects: A personal experience. Organised by Institute of Development Studies 22nd August 1996
2.
APEC Tourism Working Group Seminar on Environmentally Sustainable Tourism Accomodation. The Sukau Rainforest Lodge. Organised by the Office of the National Tourism, Australia in Cairns. 12th April 1999
3.
Training Workshop on planning and design for small scale ecotourism development projects: The Sukau Rainforest Lodge experience. Organised by Institute of Development Studies 3-4th May 2000
4.
Workshop on Green Productivity and Ecotourism: The Sukau Rainforest Lodge experience organized by Asian Productivity Organisation, Japan in Bali on 26-30th June 2000
5.
Managing Ecolodge in an ecologically sensitive area, Asia Pacific Regional Ecotourism Conference, 15-17th April, 2002, Sheraton Fiji Resort, Nadi, Fiji
6.
Current and Future Challenges in Ecotourism, Issues and Implications for Sabah, Seminar on Global Economic Outlook and Challenges, Institute for Development Studies Sabah, 13th June 2002, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
7.
Sukau Ecotourism Research & Development Centre (SERDC),A Case Study on Ecotourism in Sabah, "21st Century Borneo - Issues in Development", Seventh Biennial International Conference, BORNEO RESEARCH COUNCIL, 15-18 July 2002,Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
8.
Sustainable Nature Based Tourism in South-East Asia, Sukau Rainforest Lodge:A Case Study, 20-21st March 2003, American Museum of Natural History, New York, USA
9.
Global Ecotourism Outlook and Challenges, 27th October 2003, Transworld Institute of Technology, Douliu City, Republic of China
10.
Managing An Ecolodge, Sukau Rainforest Lodge: A case study, 27th October 2003, Transworld Institute of Technology, Douliu City, Republic of China
11.
Cultural Tourism in Malaysia, A sustainable option, 28th August 2004, Univesity Utara Malaysia, Sintok, Kedah, Malaysia
12.
Marketing Strategy of Ecotourism, Ecotourism in Taiwan: From saying to doing , 25 – 27 October 2004, Taiwan, Republic of China
13.
Practical Marketing Strategy of Ecotourism in Malaysia, (The Story of Borneo Eco Tours), Ecotourism in Taiwan: From saying to doing 25 – 27 October 2004, Taiwan, Republic of China
14.
Managing An Ecolodge, Sukau Rainforest Lodge: A case study, 28TH OCTOBER 2004, FENG CHIA UNIVERSITY, SEATWEN, TAICHUNG, TAIWAN, R.O.C
15.
Sabah Tourism Attractions, 28th July, 2005, Sabah Theological Seminary, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
16.
Best Practice Eco and Wildlife Tourism: The Case of Borneo, Global Eco and Wildlife Tourism Seminar, 16th September 2005, Monkey Mia, Australia
17.
Best Practice Eco Accomodations: The case of Sukau Rainforest Lodge, 16th September, 2005, Monkey Mia, Australia
18.
The First International Ecotourism Business Forum, September 29 to October 1, 2005, Pontianak, Indonesia
19.
Sukau Rainforest Lodge: The Challenges of Developing Wildlife Tourism, 2nd National Wildlife Tourism Conference,13 – 15 August 2006, Fremantle, Western Australia
20.
Operating and Managing Sukau Rainforest Lodge: Issues and challenges,Tourism Workshop : Wanita UMNO Sabah, 12th September 2006, Pacific Sutera, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
21.
Creating, building, maintaining ecotourism facilities, 4th Asia Pacific Ecotourism Conference APeco2006. 2-5th November 2006, Taman Negara, Pahang, Malaysia
22.
Success stories in Ecotourism Business: Case Studies in Malaysian Borneo, 2nd International Ecotourism and Business Forum, 11-14th November, Joyakarta, Indonesia
23.
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development UNCTAD :1st Asia-Pacific E-tourism for growth - Matching market efficiency and social inclusion. ICT for Sustainable Tourism: A case study on Borneo Eco Tours. 13-14th March 2007, Sutera Habour Resort, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
24.
Business Opportunities in Ecotourism, Sabah Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals Association (SWEPA), 27-28th July 2007, Pacific Sutera, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
25.
Borneo Ecotourism: Working with the Communities and Environment., 1st May 2008, Forum for Advocating Culture and Ecotourism FACET, Perth, Australia
26.
Borneo Ecotourism: Working with the Communities and Environment., 2nd May 2008, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia
27.
Developing Sabah’s Tourism Products and Brand, Creating a Blue Ocean Strategy : Developing Ecotourism as a Competitive Advantage, 27th September 2008, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
28.
BIMP-EAGA Community Based Ecotourism Conference - Opportunities for Win-Win Community Based Ecotourism Partnerships : Investing in and Profiting from Partnering Community-Based Ecotourism Operations and Marketing, 30 October – 1 November 2008, Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia
29.
Malaysia Tourism Symposium 15th Jan 2009, New Challenges and Directions- Trends affecting ecotourism in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
30.
2nd Annual Environment Conference - The Malaysian Ecotourism Industry: Creating value with the gifts of Nature, Kuala Lumpur, 24th-25th February 2009
31.
World Ecotourism Conference: Public-Private Partnership: The Private sector Perspective, Vientiane, Laos, 14-17th July 2009.
32.
UNEP Business and Industry Global Dialogue: 3rd Business and the 2010 Biodiversity Challenge Conference : The Story of Borneo Eco Tours: Integrating Biodiversity Conservation in Ecotourism Business. Jakarta, Indonesia. 30th Nov – 2nd December 2009
33.
Sarawak Tourism Players Capacity Building Workshop: Exploring New Frontiers, Managing Challenges: Synergizing the role of the private and public sector.15- 17 th December 2009 , Kuching, Sarawak , Malaysia .
34.
2nd Global Geotourism Conference: Geotourism Attractions of Sabah. 17-20th April 2010, Mulu, Sarawak, Malaysia.
35.
Training Course on Integrated Waste management at Resorts, Hotels and Restaurants: ‘A Successful Example in Ecotourism' and ‘Marketing Strategies of Green Tourism', 21-25 June 2010, Nadi, Fiji.
36.
Terengganu Eco & Marine Tourism Conference (TEMCO): 'Integrating Biodiversity Conservation and Community Development through Ecotourism: The Borneo Eco Tours Story', 1st November 2010, Marang, Terengganu, Malaysia.
37.
ASEAN-Japan Centre & Sabah Tourism Board: ‘Seminar on Sustainable Development of Tourism Destination: Borneo Eco Tours’, 18th February 2011, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
38.
Ecotourism & Sustainable Tourism Conference ESTC, Driving Change in Global Tourism: "From Profitable Businesses to Community Projects". 19-21 September 2011, Hilton Head Island, SC, USA.
39.
Coral Triangle Initiative Regional Business Forum: Innovative Solutions Today for Sustainable Resources Tomorrow- "Ecotourism, Environment and Communities". Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 9-11 October 2011
40.
Driving Change in Global Tourism: 'From Profitable Business to Community Projects'. 7 November 2011, Destination New South Wales, Australia Martin Place, Sydney, Australia.
41.
ASEAN and OCEANIA Tourism Forum: Ecotourism in the Asia Pacific Region: ‘The Story of Borneo Eco Tours/ Sukau Rainforest Lodge/BEST Society’, 7-10 November 2011, Sydney, Australia.
42.
The National Tourism Seminar 2011: "Tourism Imperatives: The Deliverables of a High Valued Malaysian Experience", The Wonders of Borneo: Developing Tourism Markets in Sabah & Sarawak, 21 November 2011, Kuala Lumpur.
43.
Secrets of Sabah, Orion Expedition Cruises, 30th January, 2012
From Charity to Social Entrepreneurship, BEST Society, Orion Expedition Cruises, 5th February 2012
46.
Ecotourism in Asia: The Story of Borneo Eco Tours/Sukau Rainforest Lodge, FACET, Edith Cowan University, Mt Lawley Campus, Perth, Australia. 23rd August 2012
47.
Driving Change in Global Tourism: From Profitable business to community projects, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia, 24th August 2012
48.
Ecotourism Best Practices: Case studies from Borneo, Forum Advocating Culture and Ecotourism Conference FACET, Broome, Australia. 28th August 2012.
49.
International Conference on Heart of Borneo +5 and Beyond: Shaping and Nurturing Sabah's Future Together, Facilitator on Tourism, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. 6-7th November 2012
50.
Asia Pacific Ecotourism Conference 2012, Penang, Malaysia. Back to mother nature; Challenges of Ecotourism, Panelist, 28-30th November 2012.
51.
Iskandar Malaysia National Ecotourism Summit, Johore Bahru, Malaysia. Value Creation in Ecotourism: From Principles to Practice. 16-18th December 2012.
Baton Bijamin (General Manager / Director)
Mr. Baton Bijamin is perhaps the muscle behind the formation of Borneo Eco Tours in 1991, and subsequently the Sukau Rainforest Lodge in 1995. Naturally gifted with determination, a cool sense of vision, an immeasurable amount of hope and a knack for industrious management, Baton was instrumental in the setting-up both establishments alongside the owner of the company Mr. Albert Teo. Coming from a humble background, Baton rose from one success to another to bring Borneo Eco Tours to where it is today; one of the biggest and most successful inbound tour companies of its kind in Borneo with multiple international tourism awards. With a stronghold in Eco Tourism policies and green practices, Borneo Eco Tours will continuously grow under the skilled management of Baton.
Baton believes that “Success is a journey, not a destination” , which is a sure testament of continuous development, both personally and for the company.
Susan Soong (Assistant General Manager / Director)
Susan, after Baton holds one of the longest stint records with Borneo Eco Tours. Her career with the company started mid 1993 and right up to today. That is why she is very fond of her career which is in line with her passion for travelling. Her strength would be in her knowledge on operational and procedural strategies of the company, as she has had in-depth exposure to all departments as well as the industry. It is by fact her loyalty that makes Susan outshine from the rest. Her positive disposition coupled with a sharp sense of logic, and backed by years of experience has made her an asset and a friend to all here at Borneo Eco Tours. She is also currently holding the position of General Manager of Borneo Backpackers, which was established in 2004. Susan is also a keen backpacker who has explored many countries in Europe, Oceania, Middle East and Asia. She is also the Past President of Sabah Backpacker Operator Assocation which was established in 2007.
Timothy Teo (Director)
Graduating from UNSW, Sydney with a Bachelor of Engineering Civil (Hons1) in 2007 and a Masters of Engineering Science in 2008, Timothy worked for four years as a Consultant at Evans & Peck Pty Ltd, Sydney before returning to Malaysia. Timothy looks after all development projects in Sukau and Kudat as project manager. Technically savvy, Timothy drives the online digital marketing at BET and is responsible for keeping watch of the accounts. The spirit of Excellence drives him to continuously improve Borneo Eco Tours to become a world class organization that will continue to thrive into the next era.
Charro Aron Charles ( Human Resources & Training Manager) Joined us in May 2007 as a Human Resources and Training Manager, Aron brings with him enormous experience in training management. Other than performing routine tasks, part of his work is engaged with our non-profit organization, Borneo Ecotourism Solutions & Technologies (BEST) Society. Aron's motto is simply to do the best in everything that he does - no wonder, his patience and unfading dedication in career, on top of 3 years of work with the Kudat community serves as the best testament. As Borneo Eco Tours is gearing to be a world class company, Aron will continue to ensure Human Resources affairs are well directed towards this objective.
Leslie Lau (Senior Operation Manager)
Leslie Lau holds the fort for Borneo Eco Tours' operation. Backed by many years of service in similar field, Leslie holds firm to the philosophy 'walking the extra mile' which keeps him occupied with meticulous daily monitoring of the operation to ensure comfortable, safe and on time delivery of service to our guests.
Agnes Lawrence (Sales & Reservation Manager)
Started her career with us in 1999 as a Junior Tour Consultant, Agnes moved up in rank to Senior Tour Consultant in 2004. She was promoted as Assistant Operation Manager in 2006 and in 2007, appointed as Sales Manager. A happily married mother of two sons and one daughter, Agnes has long fallen in love with the Tourism industry. She enjoys meeting people and make friends since she was a kid. “I treat my client not just as a client. In many cases we ended up as friends”. Being in the industry for more than a decade, Agnes shares her secret, “I go to work and embrace challenges as something fun going. Challenges bring opportunities and these would only make me a better and experienced person in my career”.
(Sandakan)
Landrito M. Lerado (Operation Manager)
Landrito or better known as Bingo, has been serving in the tourism industry for over 18 years. Bingo first started as a tour guide and had mustered a great deal of work experience through various supervisory and managerial positions. He is deeply passionate about going the extra mile to ensure our operation is smooth, above all, assuring your holiday in Sandakan a pleasant one.
The Specialist Guides
(Kota Kinabalu)
Osman Assan
Year Joined the Company: 1993
Professional License: Blue Badge
Osman has been our tour guide for almost two decades. Osman's main interest is bird-watching. He also conducts a lot of guiding for nature, culture and other tour categories. Osman's motto is 'work hard and stay healthy'. With his expertise and interest in exchanging ideas with people from diverse backgrounds, it is not a surprise that he gets increased number of personal requests from guests to reuse his service.
Adrian Chin
Year Joined the Company: 2001
Professional License: Blue Badge
Adrian joined us on 24th May 2001 and has been an outstanding tourist guide throughout his worthwhile service with us. Adrian understands his clients very well and he does his best not just to meet his clients’ expectation but to exceed their expectation. Adrian has his unique skill in interpreting the tour. “Loud and clear” and “friendliness” are the best words to describe his ability to capture his audience’s interest. Adrian specializes in botanical and bird watching tours. His knowledge also ranges to cultural aspects. He is able to add zest to his interpretation thus making his clients more cheerful during the tour. Adrian always embraces his motto “Sure and Steadfast”.
Sheila Lukide-Kanda
Year Joined the Company: 2007
Professional License: Green Badge
Medicinal plants and culture is Sheila's cup of tea. She is very friendly and makes travellers feel at ease the moment she welcomes them. For two consecutive years in 2009 and 2010, she was the winner of Peregrine's Tour Leader Award and stands firm on her belief 'willing to pursue the dream'. Apart from guiding, Sheila's interest includes reading and cooking.
Junior Joe Lorons
Year Joined the Company: 2009
Professional License: Green Badge
Having worked for years in the agriculture industry, JJ decided to explore the vibrant tourism industry. He is now an experienced guide in nature based tours, jungle trekking, and wildlife. Clinging to his philopsophy 'it's never too late to learn something new', this easy going personality is passionate in learning foreign languages. Feel free to teach him several words of your native language while he's taking you on a journey through Borneo.
Randall Lingam
Year Joined the Company: 2007
Professional License: Green Badge
Randall is from Kota Kinabalu and has served in the tourism and hospitality industry after college. He has but one formula he lives by daily, that is to 'do your best'. Randall is the ideal guide for you as he too brings with him a great deal of passion for travelling.
George Rejos
Year Joined the Company: 2011
Professional License: Green Badge
With more than two decades of guiding experience, George or 'Rejoice' has deep passion in nature, culture, wildlife, history subjects and enjoys meeting people. George is also one of our guides who are geared for trekking trips to the heart of Borneo.
(Sandakan)
Jumaidi bin Amil Hassan
Backed by many years of experience in professional guiding, Jumaidi is an ideal guide for your wildlife, nature or birding tours. Jumaidi is best remembered as both a friendly guide and companion. Always beaming with smile, Jumaidi assures there is tonnes of information for you during his guiding. His motto is 'Never give up, just do the best'.
Hazwan bin Suban
Hazwan was born in the coastal city of Sandakan in 1982, attended High School before obtaining his Tour Guide license. He has been guiding for 9 years, based at the Uncle Tan's Wildlife Camp before joining Borneo Eco Tours in 2005. Hazwan has seen 345 of Borneo's bird species and is particularly interested in their calls and songs. The elusive Bornean Ground-Cuckoo of swampy forests is his favourite bird. In addition to birds, Hazwan is also fascinated by Borneo's terrific diversity of mammals.
