S’wak targets 4 mln tourists next year

Assistant Minister of Tourism (Local Events and Products) Datuk Garmong Juna believed with the organising of the prestigious Asean International Film Festival and Awards (Aiffa) 2013 here, the target would be achieved.

“This event will attract more visitors especially from Asean countries as well as throughout the world. So, this is a good platform to promote our state’s tourism industry,” he said at the launch of Aiffa 2013 Short Film Competition website.

He also commended the efforts and initiatives taken by World Communications Network Resources, better known as World Com, in organising the event.

“Being organised here for the first time, we hope all the film makers and producers will take this opportunity to identify the attractive locations in the state for their films in the future.

“There are many interesting and suitable locations and not to forget, the background of the people here who are multiracial with different cultures that cannot be found in other places,” he said.

He also urged members of the media to lend their hand by helping to promote the state’s tourism attractions and spots.

He also told youths to take up film making seriously.

“Not only to show their talents – this industry is also a promising industry whereby you can have lucrative returns if you get seriously into it.”

There was also an appearance by Brian Tan – a production coordinator who had been involved in the production of blockbuster movies like Tron Legacy, Jack the Giant Killer, X-Men: First Class, Girl with a Dragon Tattoo during the event on Wednesday night.

Brian is also the director and producer at Inconic Films, besides being the director and founder of FPS Productions, a company specialising in action-packed thrillers, action media and commercials in Hollywood.

Also present at the event were Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer Datuk Rashid Khan and Assistant Tourism Minister Datuk Talip Zulpilip and World Com chairman Sarkawi Bohari.

Sourced: theborneopost