MOU between Sabah Bird Watchers Association and the World Pheasant Association. From left to right: John Corder (WPA Vice President), Geoffrey Davison (WPA Head of Science Committee), Barbara Ingman (WPA Admin), Ronald Pudin (President of the Sabah Bird Watchers Association) and Tan Kok Liang (Deputy Chairman of Sabah Tourism Board).
KOTA KINABALU (July 13): Sabah returns to the Global Bird Fair 2025 with a key milestone, as the Sabah Bird Watchers Association (SBWA) formalises a strategic partnership with the World Pheasant Association through a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The MoU, signed following SBWA’s inaugural participation in last year’s fair, is expected to open up meaningful opportunities for scientific collaboration, bird conservation programmes, and the hosting of international birding events in Sabah.
The Sabah delegation to this year’s event, held from 11th to 13th July at Lyndon Top Caravan Park in Rutland, is led by Sabah Tourism Board (STB) deputy chairman Datuk Tan Kok Liang, joined by STB officers and a dynamic team of nature tourism and birding advocates.
Representing Sabah under the STB umbrella are prominent industry players including Tabin Wildlife Resort, Borneo Trails, Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Borneo Eco Tours and 1 Stop Borneo.
They are joined by representatives from SBWA and the Penampang Tourism Association, strengthening efforts to promote Sabah as a premier birdwatching destination in Southeast Asia.
Tan said the singing of MoU demonstrates how active participation in international platforms like the Global Bird Fair can lead to meaningful outcomes for Sabah, particularly in birding tourism.
“This strategic partnership reflects Sabah’s serious commitment to biodiversity conservation while strengthening our position as a nature-based tourism hub.
“We are proud to support SBWA’s growing role on the global stage, and we welcome future collaboration with the World Pheasant Association that will bring long-term benefits to our environment and rural communities,” he said.
Appreciation was also extended to renowned naturalist Quentin Phillipps for facilitating the introduction between the SBWA and WPA, as well as to WPA Vice President John Corder, who visited Sabah earlier this year as part of ongoing engagement efforts.
The Global Bird Fair gathers thousands of birdwatchers, nature lovers, and tourism professionals, from around the globe. Last year, the three-day event recorded an estimated 10,000 visitors.
The UK alone is home to approximately six million registered birdwatchers, offering Sabah a significant niche market.
Royal Brunei Airlines joins STB at Stand S38 in the Swallow Marquee, symbolizing a strategic partnership to provide enhanced flight connectivity for birdwatchers from the UK and beyond.
This collaboration aims to ease access to Sabah’s lush rainforests and bird-rich habitats.
STB chief executive officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit said birdwatching is one of Sabah’s hidden gems, and the state’s participation in the Global Bird Fair is a step towards unlocking its full potential on the international stage.
“With over 680 bird species and an incredibly high rate of endemism, Sabah offers a rare opportunity for birders to experience something truly unique. This isn’t just birdwatching, it’s an immersion into one of the world’s richest biodiversity hotspots.
“Our collaboration with Royal Brunei Airlines serves as a strategic move to open Sabah’s skies to birders from the UK, Europe, and other international markets. We are making it easier than ever for eco-travellers to discover Sabah’s majestic landscapes, indigenous cultures, and its incredible avian treasures. Naturally Inspiring, Beyond Ordinary when Nature meets adventure.
“Sabah is ready. Our partners are passionate, our communities are involved, and our birds are waiting” added Julinus.
Sabah’s presence at the Global Bird Fair 2025 reflects its ongoing commitment to growing niche tourism segments, promoting sustainable travel, and positioning itself as a must-visit birding destination in the heart of Borneo.
