Chloe Tiffany Lee: The Pre-Beginning

“In this world, people always wanted to achieve something in their life. No matter it’s big, or small.” – Chloe

Sabah Young Tourism Ambassador is totally a new programme in the state to end the year 2011. The first introduction that I saw was on Daily Express where the organizer, Sabah Tourist Association advertised in. My parents encouraged me to give a try as I am into the Tourism Industry.

I applied without hesitation because I understand that this competition is different than the one I have joined before which was Miss Borneo Tourism Queen International back in 2010. Back then til now, I am officially the title holder of Miss Nature’s Guardian, Miss Charity, and Miss Popular. As the title holder, I am contributing back to the community and to protect the environment by organizing small events or activities.

Well, even though both are related in tourism but I believe I am able contribute more in the Tourism Industry as the Sabah Young Tourism Ambassador to promote our beautiful state with the help of our host. Without the hosts and sponsors, we can’t go further.

“Non-stop giving, my friend” – Chloe

Back, to the competition.

50 semi finalists were chosen through online applications and all of us met at the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park. We had given a challenge to write a short article for the attractions in Lok Kawi Wildlife Park. There is a limit of words for the article and we need to submit by noon.

As the day passes and all of us are waiting for that important call... Jennety, the Executive Secretary for Sabah Tourist Association and she’s taking care of us now in every trip, called me and told me the good news. I am overwhelmed and called my parents to share the good news.

After writing article on the spot, what is next? It’s the final interview.

10 finalists were called to have an interview at Pan Pacific, Sutera Harbour. I packed my bags from work, and head all the way to Sutera Harbour. Never expect to pick a number but I am number two in the first group since we have divided into two groups. It’s actually five finalists in a group.

Meeting the judges... on my birthday.

I can feel my heart is beating fast that moment as I am nervous sitting in front of the judges. They are the past and current president of Sabah Tourist Association, and the representative from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment and Sabah Tourism Board.

The rules are, “After you pick your number, you have to pick your question on the spot.” That’s even making us more nervous because we don’t know what is going to happen next.

The question that I picked without peeking was about the Cultural Villages that we had in Kota Kinabalu. Basically, I answered according to my experience and what I feel about because I have explored both Cultural Villages on a road trip, the Mari Mari Cultural Village and Monsopiad Cultural Village. I answered accordingly. Ops. Not to forget, the interview session is recorded and you can see all of us in sweat.

View full size at STA Facebook

After the interview, we felt relieved. Never expected, all finalists from the first group wished me “Happy Birthday” when one of them broke the news. *laugh*we took group pictures for great memories together.

Result is still a secret until...

16th December 2011, the Sabah Young Tourism Ambassador 2011/2012 Award Presentation and the Launching of Sabah Tourist Association Digital Map “The EYEs of Sabah”. That is when and where the announcement made. Datuk Masidi had given a memorable speech and we received the awards from Datuk.

Image by Mei Tzeu

How to end?

“I'm happy that Sabah has three Tourism Ambassadors now. Congratulations! Thank you to Sabah Tourist Association for organizing this event. It's a special gift to end this year and also a special gift to start next year. Now, we have responsibilities in our hands. Let's work together as a big big family!” – By Chloe, posted on Facebook at 16^th Dec 2011, night time.

Chloe Tiffany Lee, Sign out.