By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 27: Educational tourism is a rapidly growing sub-sector of the travel industry with vast potential for Sarawak, which recorded 2,183 international students in 2024—a 4.8 per cent increase from the previous year.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, during his ministerial winding-up speech, revealed that 672 new international students had enrolled in Sarawak’s higher learning institutions this year alone.
“Sarawak is gaining recognition as a preferred education destination, with foreign families increasingly sending their children here to study. We are home to reputable institutions such as Swinburne University of Technology, Curtin University, and several international schools,” he said.
He noted that Sarawak is attracting students from as young as 7 to 8 years old, including those from South Korea. “This trend is developing much like medical tourism, where Sarawak is steadily building its reputation,” he added.
Citing the United Nations Tourism (UN Tourism) agency, Abdul Karim emphasised that educational tourism brings a significant economic multiplier effect. Spending by international students on accommodation, food, transport, attractions, and other services boosts the local economy and supports surrounding communities.
He further pointed out that foreign families often compare multiple destinations across Malaysia and Singapore, ultimately choosing Sarawak for its better security, housing, quality of life, and natural environment.
With Sarawak investing in the development of its own educational institutions across the State, Abdul Karim expressed confidence that this will draw more international students, researchers, and postgraduate candidates to the region.
On health tourism, Abdul Karim cited data from the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), highlighting Sarawak’s significant growth in 2024.
The sector welcomed 68,655 health tourists—up 6.6 per cent from 64,393 in 2023—resulting in a 13.65 per cent increase in revenue, reaching RM141.5 million compared to RM124.5 million the previous year.
Indonesia and China were the top contributors, with 52,850 Indonesian arrivals generating RM127 million in revenue, and 3,565 Chinese arrivals contributing RM3.6 million. Other notable markets included Brunei (3,239 arrivals, RM2.5 million), the Philippines (1,061 arrivals, RM1.04 million), and India (808 arrivals, RM0.6 million).
Abdul Karim stressed that with its advanced medical facilities, serene natural environment, and rich biodiversity, Sarawak is well-positioned to become a major player in the ASEAN health tourism market.
“The ministry is actively promoting both medical treatments and wellness experiences under our health tourism initiative,” he said, noting that the Asean medical and wellness tourism market was valued at USD51.5 billion in 2023, with a projected annual growth rate of 12.7 per cent from 2024 to 2032, according to Global Market Insight.
Looking ahead, Abdul Karim shared that the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) is intensifying efforts to promote health tourism through stronger collaboration with the MHTC and active participation in platforms such as the Malaysia Healthcare Expo (MHX). — DayakDaily
