KOTA KINABALU: The transformation of Sabah into the sought-after destination it is today owes much to the faith and hard work of two iconic tourism figures.
Capital A chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes reflected on the early days of AirAsia, noting that about 20 years ago, when he first envisioned the airline, most people laughed at him.
Fernandes, who transitioned from the music industry - where he sold "dangdut" music and collaborated with artists like Jamal Abdillah and Sheila Majid - to the airline business, acknowledged the scepticism he faced.
"What did I know about airlines? No one took me seriously," he said during a press conference at the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) office yesterday.
Despite the initial doubts, Fernandes credited the STB, led by the late Datuk Irene Benggon-Charuruks, as a crucial early supporter.
"The first people to come to my office when I was discussing buying AirAsia in Kuala Lumpur were from the Sabah Tourism Board, led by Irene."
He also recounted a memorable 17-hour presentation by former STB chairman Tengku Zainal Adlin Mahmood, who showcased every picture he had taken, every flower, animal, and person in Sabah.
"I left with one impression: the people of Sabah are incredibly proud and passionate about their homeland. The people here are amazing, friendly, tolerant, and respectful of all cultures. It's a model for the world."
Fernandes also attributed Sabah's unwavering support to enhancing connectivity between the state and the rest of the world.
"I believe we have succeeded in making Malaysia more connected through affordable travel. Our second mission was to let the world come to Sabah.
"When I look at what we've achieved, it far exceeds our initial dreams, considering the destinations we're reaching now and those we plan to in the future," he said.
Pictures by Mohd Adam Arinin