(Bandar Seri Begawan, 23rd) Presidents, committee members, and representatives from associations such as the Jide Care Association, Fujian Association, Chinese Arts Federation, Guanghui Mutual Aid Society, Hainan Association, Chung Hwa Alumni Association, Fuzhou Shiyi, and others, gathered yesterday at the Jide Care Association premises, Chuchu Commercial Building, to attend the “Brunei Cruise Tourism Mandarin Support Volunteer Pilot Plan Briefing” presented by Member of Parliament Chong Ching Yee.
Chong Ching Yee outlined three main objectives of the plan: to support Brunei’s rapidly developing cruise tourism industry, mobilize Mandarin-speaking community volunteers to participate in tourism reception, and collectively enhance the Brunei tourism experience, contributing to the nation’s tourism development.
She pointed out that Brunei cruise tourism is experiencing a period of rapid growth, with the number of cruise arrivals expected to double this year compared to last year, and a significant increase in Mandarin-speaking tourists from China. This trend will not only boost the local economy but also promote cultural exchange and increase tourist return rates.
She emphasized that a good tourism experience will significantly increase the likelihood of tourists returning to Brunei and recommending it to others in the future.
Chong Ching Yee also analyzed the current challenges Brunei faces in tourism reception, especially in terms of Mandarin-language services. She noted that with the surge in visitor numbers, the capacity for Mandarin-language reception is severely lacking, especially licensed tour guides and those able to communicate in Mandarin.
She revealed that in April this year, the Brunei Port Authority received approximately 2,000 to 2,600 cruise tourists, and it is expected that a record number of arrivals will be seen in August, including two large cruise ships with over 5,000 passengers each—most of whom are Chinese travelers—resulting in a substantial increase in Mandarin support demand.
She stated that apart from local travel agencies providing guides and interpreters, the plan will also mobilize a large number of volunteers to provide support. Volunteers will offer direction guidance, distribute maps and tourism information at tourism information centers and key attractions, assist with basic visitor needs, and, during peak periods, help tour guides with Mandarin translation.
Chong Ching Yee pointed out that volunteers do not require relevant experience; they only need to undertake a short-term training program, which will cover introductions to Brunei’s major attractions, local cultural etiquette, and basic communication skills.
She encouraged job seekers, semi-retirees, those with flexible working hours, and young people interested in the tourism industry to actively participate, leverage their language skills, and assist in Brunei’s tourism development.
She said that participants in the volunteer service will receive certificates of appreciation or official commendation, employment recommendations or reference letters, and priority in joining tourism-related training and expanding their networks.
She believes that this plan is not only about tourism support, but also about building capacity for Brunei’s future, including welcoming “Brunei Tourism Year 2027”, cultivating future Brunei promotion ambassadors, and supporting major international conferences and events.
The registration deadline for this program is June 15th. Interested parties can register through related associations, or email pr@queeniecy.com, or call 8310113 for more information.
She pointed out that Brunei cruise tourism is experiencing a period of rapid growth, with the number of cruise arrivals expected to double this year compared to last year, and a significant increase in Mandarin-speaking tourists from China. This trend will not only boost the local economy but also promote cultural exchange and increase tourist return rates.
She emphasized that a good tourism experience will significantly increase the likelihood of tourists returning to Brunei and recommending it to others in the future.
Chong Ching Yee also analyzed the current challenges Brunei faces in tourism reception, especially in terms of Mandarin-language services. She noted that with the surge in visitor numbers, the capacity for Mandarin-language reception is severely lacking, especially licensed tour guides and those able to communicate in Mandarin.
She revealed that in April this year, the Brunei Port Authority received approximately 2,000 to 2,600 cruise tourists, and it is expected that a record number of arrivals will be seen in August, including two large cruise ships with over 5,000 passengers each—most of whom are Chinese travelers—resulting in a substantial increase in Mandarin support demand.
She stated that apart from local travel agencies providing guides and interpreters, the plan will also mobilize a large number of volunteers to provide support. Volunteers will offer direction guidance, distribute maps and tourism information at tourism information centers and key attractions, assist with basic visitor needs, and, during peak periods, help tour guides with Mandarin translation.
Chong Ching Yee pointed out that volunteers do not require relevant experience; they only need to undertake a short-term training program, which will cover introductions to Brunei’s major attractions, local cultural etiquette, and basic communication skills.
She encouraged job seekers, semi-retirees, those with flexible working hours, and young people interested in the tourism industry to actively participate, leverage their language skills, and assist in Brunei’s tourism development.
She said that participants in the volunteer service will receive certificates of appreciation or official commendation, employment recommendations or reference letters, and priority in joining tourism-related training and expanding their networks.
She believes that this plan is not only about tourism support, but also about building capacity for Brunei’s future, including welcoming “Brunei Tourism Year 2027”, cultivating future Brunei promotion ambassadors, and supporting major international conferences and events.
The registration deadline for this program is June 15th. Interested parties can register through related associations, or email pr@queeniecy.com, or call 8310113 for more information.