By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 30: The Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (STATOS) is marking six years of impactful diplomacy and economic cooperation, having been a key catalyst in strengthening Sarawak-Singapore ties in trade, tourism, and investment.
Among the key achievements highlighted in its sixth anniversary press release is a 29 per cent increase in tourist arrivals from Singapore to Sarawak—a testament to STATOS’ efforts ranging from social media campaigns and promotional videos to business matchmaking, academic and corporate outreach, and in-depth market research.
Launched on June 20, 2019, by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, STATOS has evolved from a humble three-person team into a dynamic 10-member operation.
Over the past six years, STATOS has served as a gateway for Sarawak’s unique offerings—whether in business, culture, food, or adventure—connecting them to new audiences and unlocking economic opportunities.
“Since the establishment of STATOS, we’ve seen a significant increase in the promotion of Sarawak as a travel destination in Singapore.
“This is a welcome development, as it offers Singaporeans a fresh and exciting alternative for their holidays,” said Wong Yew Hoong, Director of EU Holidays Pte Ltd.
“Many travellers are still unfamiliar with Sarawak, and through collaborations with EU Holidays and STATOS, we’ve observed a growing interest and increasing tourist arrivals.”
STATOS has also empowered Sarawak-born entrepreneurs and enterprises in Singapore.
Trudy Tan of Supreme Indah Sdn Bhd said, “STATOS has opened doors to regional exposure and export opportunities for our women-led social enterprise.
“It’s been a catalyst in turning our Sarawak-inspired plant-based heritage into global conversations.”
Beyond tourism and trade, STATOS played an early and crucial role in the development of Sarawak’s landmark hydrogen energy initiative, Project H2ornbill.
It initiated the connection with Sumitomo Corporation in 2019, laying the groundwork for a joint development agreement that is now charting Sarawak’s path in green energy.
“As the window to Sarawak, STATOS remains committed to opening doors, building bridges, and supporting meaningful partnerships for the State’s trade, investment, and sustainability agenda,” said its chief executive officer (CEO), Chew Chang Guan.
Chairman of the Board, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani, emphasised the agency’s strategic role in “identifying high-value leads, securing actionable opportunities, and bringing back implementable outcomes for Sarawak.”
Looking ahead, STATOS is gearing up for the Sarawak Mega Fair 2025 in Singapore, held in collaboration with the Premier’s Office and the Ministry of International Trade, Industry, and Investment Sarawak (MINTRED).
The fair aims to further strengthen exports, attract investment opportunities, and enhance tourism exchanges between the two regions, while showcasing the very best of Sarawak across all sectors.
“As STATOS marks this significant milestone, the team expresses heartfelt gratitude to its partners, stakeholders, and the Sarawak government for their unwavering support.
“The journey is far from over—and STATOS stands ready to soar to even greater heights in the years to come,” the press release stated. — DayakDaily
