SINGAPORE: The Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (STATOS) celebrated its sixth anniversary this week, highlighting its achievements in strengthening trade, investment, and tourism ties between Sarawak and Singapore since its inception in 2019.
Launched by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, STATOS has grown from a team of three to a dynamic 10-member office, playing an important role in positioning Sarawak as an attractive destination for business, culture, and travel among Singaporeans and the wider regional market.
EU Holidays Pte Ltd director Wong Yew Hoong praised STATOS’ contributions in promoting Sarawak as a fresh and exciting holiday destination for Singaporeans.
“Many travellers are still unfamiliar with Sarawak, but collaborations with EU Holidays and STATOS have sparked growing interest and increasing tourist arrivals,” he said, noting a 29% rise in tourists from Singapore since STATOS began operations.
Beyond tourism, STATOS’ initiatives have opened new markets for Sarawak’s innovative products and social enterprises.
Trudy Tan of Supreme Indah Sdn Bhd said STATOS had been instrumental in bringing Sarawak-inspired plant-based heritage products to international attention, while Andrew Nguang of East Asia Palm Products credited the agency for providing an effective platform to showcase Sarawak’s unique offerings.
STATOS has also played a crucial role in strategic projects, such as the Project H2ornbill.
According to CEO Chew Chang Guan, STATOS initiated early connections with Sumitomo Corporation back in 2019, laying the groundwork for what has become a landmark hydrogen project for Sarawak.
“As the window to Sarawak, we remain committed to opening doors, building bridges, and supporting meaningful partnerships,” Chew said.
STATOS board chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani highlighted the agency’s efforts in identifying high-value leads and facilitating collaborations to bring actionable outcomes for Sarawak’s economic agenda.
“STATOS plays a key role in securing opportunities that can translate into real benefits for the state,” he said.
Furthermore, STATOS is preparing for the Sarawak Mega Fair 2025 in Singapore, which aims to boost further exports, investment, and tourism exchanges between the two regions.
Organised in collaboration with the Premier’s Office and the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (MINTRED), the fair will showcase Sarawak’s best across multiple sectors.
