REPORT ON "SANDAKAN HOLIDAYS FESTIVAL EXHIBITION 2004"
BY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIT/BBEC - PUBLIC AWARENESS COMPONENT

Dated: 19th - 20th June 2004
Time: 09:00 am - 09:00 pm
Venue: Community Centre Hall, Sandakan

On 18th June 2004, the secretariat for the above exhibition, me and Ms Saabiah Andamit including our driver Mr. Zaini Abdullah, went to Sandakan to make an early preparation for the exhibition. Our department was given only one booth which was shared with BBEC - Public Awareness Component (in charge by me) since PAC (BBEC) activities is under UST's program as well. Science and Technology Unit exhibition material on Science & Technology Advancement Program (PPST) based on yearly programmes and activities such as printed pictures, meanwhile, BBEC - PAC displayed materials used on BBEC COP7 Posters, several BBEC Books Publication, Newsletters and BBEC pumplet.

The opening ceremony on 19th June 2004 was launched by Political Secretary of Minister of Sabah Tourism, culture and Environment, Mr. Isnin Hj. Aslanih on behalf of YB Datuk Karim Bujang, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture & Environment. We received 58 visitors to our booths whom has been registered in our record book including the VVIP visitors were escorted by Yg.Bhg. Datuk Dayang Adeline Leong, the President of Sandakan Munipicial Council (MPS), ADUN of Elopura, Sandakan UMNO Head Division and others. On the 2nd day, our BBEC - PAC booths site were crowded by 104 visitors among students (primary and secondary chool), teachers, plantation developers, private tour operators and public. A lot of them were interested on Nature Centre Book and G.I.S. Maps. BBEC latest newsletter and pamphlets were run out of stock on that day. Some visitors were asking for Lower Kinabatangan Scientific EXPDC 2002 publication as well.

During the three days exhibition, which was full supported by staffs of Sabah Parks, Wildlife Depart. and Forest Depat., we have received so many questions and suggestions from visitors, both about PPST objective/ activities and BBEC achievements since its establishment. Below are the comments and suggestions gathered from visitors:-

1. For UST
   • To make pictorial posters on PPST activities as in BBEC
   • To provide brochures or pamphlet about UST
   • To display equipments such as telescope
   • To distributes souvenirs (eg. pen)
   • Inquiry on UST's aim and function for the public
   • UST's achievements in providing information to public?
2. For PAC (BBEC)
   • To include BBEC's website address in every posters
   • Provide posters in Malay
   • Promotion materials/souvenirs (eg. pen, plastic/paper bag ) with BBEC logo.
   • BBEC's publication for sales
   • Inquiry on how individual can join scientific expedition organized by BBEC.
   • Inquiry on BBEC's achievement in addressing environmental conservation problems in Kinabatangan?

    

   Exhibition ended on 21st June 2004 at 11:00 am.
   Thank you.
   
   Report By,
   
   (LINA MOHAMAD LIN)
   Exhibition Secretariat on "Cuti-Cuti Sandakan 2004' UST/PAC (BBEC)