Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Christina Liew commended the Chinese entrepreneurs who have taken up the responsibility to promote and pass the Chinese cultural heritage to the next generation. Liew said with the help of the entrepreneurs, young people would remember their roots.

“As you know, Malaysia embraces a very strong Chinese culture in the country, among other countries.

“I am very thankful that the Founder and President of the Miss Chinese Talent International (MCTI) Competition Cheng Kam Fai has chosen Sabah as the venue for the MCTI competition Malaysia Region Finale.

“This has given us the opportunity to promote Sabah to the pageant participants from West Malaysia.

“The purpose of holding the MCTI Competition is to promote the beauty of Malaysian ladies to the world, and also promoting the Chinese culture of Malaysia,” said Liew.

She was speaking at the finale of MCTI competition held at the Magellan Sutera ballroom, Sunday.

Liew also encouraged the participants to take advantage of the competition to enjoy the natural beauty of Sabah and other tourist attractions as well to learn about the State.

“I understand that not all the top 12 competitors in today’s finals are from Sabah as some of them hail from West Malaysia and Sarawak.

“Some of these contestants actually have not been to Sabah prior to this event. I believe more events like this will make Sabah better known to the outside world,” Liew said.

She also hoped the competition could be held regularly in Sabah to help promote the State’s tourism.

“I also hope all the successful entrepreneurs can join me in supporting this event and events to come that will spur the growth of Sabah tourism, particularly international events that will definitely put Sabah on the world tourism map.

“I’m also proud to say that the number of our international tourist arrivals to Sabah has skyrocketed as the tourist spots in Sabah are the best, among others,” she said.

The top three winners of the competition will represent Malaysia in Macau next year.

Lui Khai Shin, 22, from Kuala Lumpur who just graduated in Mass Communications (Broadcasting), won the MCTI 2019 (Malaysia) and received a cash prize of RM30,000, a bouquet and beauty products. The first runner-up went to Lim Hor Yen, 19, also from Kuala Lumpur and second runner-up Christine Chua, 23, from Sarawak. Liew wants the trio to be ambassadors in playing the role of promoting Sabah as a premier tourist destination.