Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A and advisor to AirAsia Group, made the most of his visit to Kota Kinabalu by helping to promote Sabah tourism.
During his trip, he didn’t miss the chance to stop by the latest viral photo spot in the city, the former Maybank branch on Gaya Street, which has recently become a must-visit location for tourists.
His photo has since been going viral online on different social platform including TikTok.
“I am not sure why it went viral.”
After receiving the “Sabah Tourism Special Appreciation Award” from the Sabah Tourism Board earlier today, Tony Fernandes took on the role of a tourist himself, posing for photos outside the now-closed Maybank branch on Gaya Street.
Despite its sudden rise to fame on social media, particularly on the Chinese platform Xiaohongshu, Fernandes expressed his puzzlement over the reason behind its popularity.
“I’m aware this spot has gone viral recently as a photo destination for visitors to Kota Kinabalu, but I’m not sure why,” he remarked.
“But that’s okay. Anything that helps promote Sabah and Kota Kinabalu, I’m happy to do it, so more people can discover this beautiful place.”
Asking Maybank for advertising fee
In a lighthearted comment, Tony Fernandes joked that he might consider asking Maybank for an advertising fee, given the unexpected promotion the bank has received due to the viral trend.
The Maybank branch on Gaya Street, which has ceased operations, has inexplicably become a hot spot on Xiaohongshu, drawing numerous Chinese tourists to take photos.
Even local politicians Kota Kinabalu MP Datuk Chan Foong Hin have joined in the trend, snapping pictures at the site.
Although there is no definitive reason for its sudden popularity, many visitors feel that taking a photo there adds to the experience of being abroad.
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