Sabah is positioning itself as a prime educational destination for Filipino students, according to former Philippine Senator Nikki Coseteng. She arrived at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) on Monday evening with a group of 20 students and their parents from Diliman University for a five-day cultural visit to showcase the state's educational and cultural offerings.
“The less than two-hour flight from Manila makes Sabah incredibly accessible”, Nikki stated. “Beyond the convenience, Sabah offers a unique cultural immersion alongside educational opportunities, providing a compelling alternative for students seeking a different learning environment”.
Nikki, a former member of the Philippine House of Congress, emphasized the region’s vibrant cultural heritage and natural beauty, both of which she believes will attract Filipino students. She is hopeful that this initiative will increase the number of Filipino students studying in Sabah, boosting the local economy and strengthening cultural ties between the Philippines and Malaysia.
The visit, hosted by Borneo Trails Tour and Travel, includes excursions to key tourist spots, such as Kota Kinabalu Park in Kundasang. The group is scheduled to return to Manila on Friday.
However, Nikki acknowledged that Sabah must address several challenges to capitalize on this opportunity. While the short flight time is a significant advantage, she stressed the need for improvements in infrastructure, marketing, and addressing any visa or regulatory obstacles that could hinder Filipino students from choosing Sabah as a study destination.
Nikki pointed out the importance of streamlining the student visa process and increasing promotional efforts in the Philippines to make Sabah’s educational institutions more appealing to prospective students.
The success of this initiative will depend on Sabah’s ability to overcome these challenges and effectively present itself as a viable and attractive educational option for Filipino students.
