Thank you for the ‘click’.

It is our hope that through this, communication with you will be more efficient and effective. We do not want to be left behind in this IT savvy era and competitive global village. Thus, enabling us to fulfill the objectives of Sabah Tourist Guides Association.

We hope that this will also help bring about greater sense of belonging and oneness in this big family of about 1500 members.

As ambassadors or front-liners in the world’s fastest growing industries, high expectations from our customers should never be underestimated. We should constantly update our ‘software’, and work in tandem with the relevant departments or ministries and tourism players.

In this juncture, we have much to thank for YB Masidi Manjun- Minister of Culture, Tourism and Environment for his unceasing support and valuable advice. This of course includes Sabah Tourism Board, under the able chairmanship of YB Tengku Adlin and Federal Ministry of Tourism, Sabah branch for the close working relation.

The EXCO is fully aware of the mandate and responsibilities you have entrusted to us. We seek for your continuing support and understanding in carrying out our responsibilities. We welcome any constructive criticisms and suggestions for the betterment of STGA and the industry as a whole.

Over the past months, various Continuing Tourism Related Education programs, Refresher Courses and Confirmation courses were organized. The upcoming foreign language classes- Korean and Spanish are at the final stage of preparation.

With effect from 1st March 2009, the revised professional guiding fees took effect. We sincerely hope that with this new ministry approved tariff will further enhance closer working relation and understanding with travel agents.

The proposed amendments to our constitution and Code of Ethics in compliance to Malaysian Tourist Guides Council (MTGC) will be presented in the coming Extra General Meeting (EGM). This will include group personal accident insurance coverage and benevolent fund for members. This will inevitably result in the increase of our annual subscription fees due to the increase of “per capita” fees remittance to MTGC.

We will strive to adhere to the close working relation with MTGC, as all Tourist Guide Associations in Malaysia are affiliated to it. This also acts as a mechanism of communication with the Federal Ministry of Tourism in all matters relating to about 8000 registered tourist guides throughout Malaysia.

Happy Guiding.

Lim Su Kiong
Vice-Chairman, Sabah Tourist Guides Association