KUCHING, July 10th, 2009 – Nine Australian meetings planners were touched by the once in the lifetime opportunity to launch the “Heart to Heart Orangutan Encounter” which was a highlight of their MICE familiarization trip to Malaysia organized by Tourism Malaysia’s Sydney office.
After witnessing the launch of the new program by Sarawak Forestry in collaboration with Sarawak Convention Bureau, the group were given a task by the ranger, either to prepare daily food, clean up the night cages or construct new play things. The group were really passionate and energized by the opportunity to help train the Orangutan.
“Original, Unique and Very Special” said Peter Gray, Managing Partner – Motivating People from Melbourne after completing the program. Rebecca Christian, Program Manager -The Mint Organization from Melbourne said “as the tourism numbers increase, we must ensure that the environment and the Orangutan are protected as much as possible”.
In launching the new program, Sarawak Convention Bureau Chief Executive Officer, Jill Henry commented: “Clients now days are looking to do more than just hand out charitable donations to meet their corporate social responsibility obligations. The plight of endangered Orangutans touches the heart of people from around the world and this program enables companies to give their staff a unique opportunity to volunteer in support of Orangutan conservation as part of their Borneo experience.”
Through their five-day program from 8th to 12th July 2009 , the meeting planners witnessed the semi-wild Orangutan at Semenggoh Wildlife Centre followed by a night stay at the Sarawak’s most beautiful golf course, Borneo Highlands Resort where they enjoyed playing golf and experienced the jungle spa. The next day, the meeting planners went to nearly completed Borneo Convention Centre Kuching where they were impressed by the roof shaped like a leaf to collect the rain water for use in the Centre. For lunch, they headed to Kuching Hilton to enjoy the best view of waterfront and went to Sarawak Museum for cocktail with “Night in the Museum” theme followed by dinner at Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites.
The fitting finale for the group was the Rainforest World Music Festival located at Sarawak Cultural Village where 7 international bands were performing. The group left next day with the unforgettable experience with the Orangutan and sound of rainforest in their heart.
For more information about the “Heart to Heart Orangutan Encounter” program please email to [email protected].
From left: Michael Gray from 212F (Sydney), Grame Warren from BT Publishing (Melbourne), Suzanne Miller from CiEvents (Sydney), Lisa Harvey from ENJO (Perth), Rebecca Christian from The Mint Organization (Melbourne), Suzanna Kovacevic from ICMS Austrlia (Sydney), Harry the Hornbill, Shahrin Mokhtar from Tourism Malaysia (Sydney), Mohd. Hafiz Hashim from Tourism Malaysia (Sydney), Peter Gray from Motivating People (Melbourne) and Peter Cavanagh from Consentive Consulting Services (Sydney).
Sarawak Convention Bureau Chief Executive Officer, Jill Henry during her speech at the launching of the Heart to Heart Orangutan encounter
1 year old Ali playing at the playground and show off his skill at the participants.
The group were really passionate and energized by the opportunity to help train the Orangutan.
