| Danial Norjidi |
A LOCAL social enterprise is making a name for itself through its community-based ecotourism projects.
Borneo Guide was founded by Leslie Chiang Jin Kiong, Managing Director in 2007. Leslie shared that he envisioned a community based tourism focusing on ecotourism projects which serve to promote awareness and cultivate sustainability – environmentally, socially, culturally and economically.
A pioneer project of Borneo Guide is The Sumbiling Eco Village (SEV) project, materialised with the Iban communities of Kampong Sumbiling Lama in Temburong District, Brunei Darussalam.
Borneo Guide contributes the concept, funding, planning and management of the project, while the villagers contribute in terms of manpower, outdoor and cultural expertise, as well as suggestions and ideas.
“The ecovillage enables travellers to enjoy an experience that brings them close to nature in a manner consistent with local ways of life,” it was shared. “At the same time, it provides the Iban villagers with means of earning an income while bringing new value to environmental conservation.”
Running on the social enterprise blueprint, SEV, through its tours and projects, put the money earned back into the community.
Leslie Chiang Jin Kiong, Managing Director of Borneo Guide, outside the Borneo Guide office. – DANIAL NORJIDI
“To date, we support 15 family members by providing them with jobs and opportunities as trekking guides, boatmen, staff, craftswomen. We are also sponsoring two school students in aide of funding their school fees, uniforms and books.”
In addition to independent travellers, the enterprise also caters to corporate trips.
In November 2015, Borneo Guide was recognised for being the founder and owner of the Sumbiling Eco Village project, and was invited by the AirAsia Foundation to attend ‘Destination: GOOD – Asean Social Enterprise 2015’ conference.
At this conference, the SEV ecotourism venture was acknowledged for their commitment in empowering the local communities and educating the visitors while preserving and enhancing the environment and culture in their daily operations.
Leslie shared with the Sunday Bulletin that, at one point, he had an issue at the Sumbiling Eco Village where they had no electricity or water.
He shared that solving the issue was proving to be rather difficult, until he met with representatives of DARE (Darussalam Enterprise). During a dialogue session, Leslie spoke with DARE and, through them, was able to attain assistance from the relevant agencies to set up electricity and water.
He said that DARE and the relevant agencies were very helpful, and expressed his thanks to them for their assistance.
Going forward, Leslie shared that he hopes to set up more community tourism projects, with a specific focus on cultural tourism, to allow tourists to learn more about Brunei’s culture.
“Brunei has a lot of tourism potential,” he said.
In the interview, Leslie shared some advice for other entrepreneurs and businesses, highlighting, “Do whatever you are strong at. Be unique, be patient and focus on your strengths.”
He also affirmed that it is important to do something that can benefit the country, and underlined the need to give opportunities to local youth.
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