IMPORTANT EVENT -
Launching of second
observation platform and aerial walkway
Viewing the bears has never been the same since the opening of our Second Observation Platform and Aerial Walkway. Thanks to Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD), visitors can now view sun bears in the enclosures from a different perspective. The new facility has been able to cater a greater number of visitors and offer them an unforgettable experience to witness the bears in the natural forest setting.
On the 19th May 2016, the official launching of the new structure took place. The event was attended by honorable guests; Ms Caroline Christine Russell (Governing Council Member of Yayasan Sime Darby), Yang Berbahagia Datin Paduka Zaitoon Dato' Othman (Governing Council Member of Yayasan Sime Darby), Puan Hajjah Yatela Zainal Abidin (CEO of Yayasan Sime Darby), Mr. Augustine Tuuga (Deputy Director of Sabah Wildlife Department), Tuan. Hj. Fadzil Hj. Yahya (Sandakan District Forest Officer), Tuan. Sailun Hj. Aris (Sandakan District Wildlife Officer), Mr. Jeffery Hj. Aman (Secretary of the Sandakan Municipal Council) and the team of Yayasan Sime Darby.
The remarkable event started with a welcoming speech from BSBCC’s CEO & Founder, Mr. Wong Siew Te. During his speech, Wong mentioned how ecotourism has contributed towards conservation efforts in the state. BSBCC is among the good examples where ecotourism contributed towards the conservation efforts of wildlife apart from improving local and national economy and livelihood. Ecotourism in Sabah has been proven as the third source of revenue after timber and oil palm industry. Wong names this industry “conservation ecotourism”.
Mr. Wong Siew Te during his speech at the launching
Our honorable guest, Ms. Caroline was next to present her speech which mentioned about YSD’s milestone towards conservation works in Sabah which started with the reforestation of the heavily degraded Ulu Segama forest through partnership with the Sabah Forestry Department. YSD started supporting BSBCC in 2012 with a 2-year sponsorship covering the Centre’s operational costs which includes renovation of the old bear house, construction of the second bear house and construction of the second forest
enclosure and perimeter walkway.
In 2014, BSBCC came into YSD’s attention when the Centre’s only observation platform could not cater the 4,000 visitors each month. The Second Observation Platform and aerial walkway was then constructed in September 2015 with funding support from YSD. The remarkable event ran smoothly with team efforts from YSD and BSBCC. Thanks to Yayasan Sime Darby for their continuous support and sponsorship towards our Centre. Without their vital support, we may not be where we are today.
Group photo at the new second observation platform.
