Local tourism players should give their support to the upcoming Sabah Chinese Economic Conference focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) and drone technology, says Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.

Bangkuai, who is also the state Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister, highlighted the conference as an opportunity for tourism players to actively embrace cutting-edge technology that holds immense promise for the state’s tourism industry.

He said this following a meeting with the Sabah Chinese Economic Conference organising committee led by Datuk Philip Yong.

The organisers had briefed him on the event's objective of exploring emerging technologies that can revolutionise businesses and government agencies.

The group also explained that AI and drone technology have the potential to transform tourism in Sabah, exemplified by how drones can be utilised for conducting search and rescue operations, thus elevating safety standards.

The conference supported by the state government will be held at the Sabah International Convention Centre on Aug 23.

The event aims to attract over 1000 participants, including from government agencies and countries like China, the Philippines, and Thailand, providing an avenue for knowledge exchange and business networking.