Play, Count, and Explore Using Sabah Chinese Everyday Math to Foster Early Learning and Cultural Tourism

This study explores the integration of Sabah Chinese everyday mathematics into early childhood learning as a means to promote both cognitive development and cultural tourism. Using a qualitative descriptive approach based on online open sources, the research identifies how traditional counting systems, games, and community-based learning practices contribute to children’s foundational mathematical understanding while preserving cultural identity. Findings highlight the role of play-based learning in connecting cultural heritage with educational experiences, emphasizing how localized mathematical concepts can serve as tools for both pedagogy and tourism innovation. The study concludes that leveraging ethnomathematical elements in early learning not only enhances educational relevance but also strengthens cultural continuity and community-based tourism in Sabah.