Seated from left to right: Albert Teo, Chairman of BEST Society, Abidin Giking, Owner of Adenna Rafflesia Garden, Associate Professor Dr Fiffy Hanisdah binti Saikim, Director of Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation of UMS, and Timothy Teo, Co-Managing Director of BET during the LoI signing event, which was witnessed by Ivan Chang, General Manager of BET, Tressie Yap, BEST Society Committee member, Julinus Jimit, CEO of STB, and Dr Marcela Pimid, Senior Lecturer at UMS.
[Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, March 28, 2024] – In a landmark move towards bolstering ecotourism and community empowerment in Sabah, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Adenna Rafflesia Garden, Borneo Eco Tours (BET), and Borneo Ecotourism Solutions & Technologies (BEST) Society came together in a Letter of Intent (LoI) Signing Ceremony held today at the Sabah Tourism Board office. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sabah Tourism Board (STB), Julinus Jimit witnessed the significant event, which is a strategic partnership between the parties to develop Adenna Rafflesia Garden into an international sustainable tourism product.  

Adenna Rafflesia Garden located in Poring, Ranau, was established since 2001 and is managed and owned by Abidin Giking. The tourism attraction serves as a sanctuary dedicated to the preservation and cultivation of the iconic Rafflesia flower. Abidin has been pioneering and implementing innovative techniques that allows Rafflesia hosts to successfully produce buds and blooms throughout the year.

The Letter of Intent signifies a collective commitment towards the preparation of a future Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aimed at enhancing Adenna Rafflesia Garden’s facilities, infrastructure, and operational capabilities. Through collaborative efforts and leveraging each party’s expertise, which encompass various initiatives aimed at uplifting Adenna Rafflesia Garden and its surrounding community.

Firstly, there is a strong focus on community empowerment through capacity-building, development plan and design layout, which technical assistance will be provided by BEST Society.

Apart from that, BET will be assisting in the implementation and improving of marketing strategies and leveraging on its international networks, social media platforms, souvenirs, and tour packaging to increase visibility and attract visitors from around the world. As an ecotourism tour operator, BET’s core values include giving back to the community and protecting the rich biodiversity and environment, especially here in Sabah, Malaysian, Borneo.

Lastly, UMS will be actively pursuing research grants, conducting high-quality studies, and publishing papers focused on community-based tourism within the vicinity of Adenna Rafflesia Garden, contributing to the sustainable growth and preservation of the region’s natural heritage.

Representatives from UMS, BET, BEST Society and Adenna Rafflesia Garden expressed their enthusiasm for the collaborative potential to drive positive change in the realm of ecotourism and community development in Sabah. They emphasised their collective dedication to fostering sustainable practices and preserving the natural beauty of Adenna Rafflesia for generations to come.