Phoong (centre) with the organising team and sponsors of KKCD25 welcoming the public to enliven the event.
KOTA KINABALU (Nov 24): International visitors will join Malaysians to welcome the New Year at Dataran Bandaraya along Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens here on December 31.
The Kota Kinabalu Countdown 2025 (KKCD25) will be officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship (MIDE) Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe said the event takes inspiration from renowned international countdown events like Taipei 101 and Sydney New Year’s Eve.
Phoong said among the main highlights is a fireworks display using 1,000 synchronised drones, as well as performances by 17 international artists and bands from Korea, China, Indonesia and Malaysia, amplifying Sabah’s visibility worldwide.
He said the event will be divided into two areas, the first being KKCD25 which is open to the public, as well as the Flamewave Music Festival which is a ticketed event in collaboration with a private company.
The objectives of KKCD25, he said, is to be a trademark event for Sabah in the years to come and boost Sabah’s economic activity by leveraging tourism and influx of visitors, creating a ripple effect of economic growth and opportunities across the state.
He said it is also poised to attract both domestic and international tourists to Sabah, showcasing the state as a premier countdown destination, as well as to foster unity among Malaysians, celebrating diversity regardless of race, religion, or culture.
“The Kota Kinabalu Countdown 2025 is a key aspiration of the Sabah Cabinet and a milestone event for Sabah, blending tradition, creativity and global appeal.
“This is a unified effort by the State Government in collaboration with the private sector and local talents to deliver a world-class celebration.
“Sabah warmly welcomes Malaysians and international visitors to join us on December 31 for a memorable New Year’s Eve celebration,” he told a press conference at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here today.
More information can be found on the event website at www.kkcd.asia.
