Supporting efforts to uplift and nominate Kuching city as a destination in ASEAN Creative Cities Network

We fully support the collaboration with federal Ministry Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) in pursuing efforts to uplift and nominate Kuching City as one of the creative cities network at United Nations' Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and ASEAN levels under the gastronomy category. 

Such efforts were recently announced by our Malaysia's Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, YB Datuk Seri Hajah Nancy Shukri who said at regional level, ASEAN had supported UNESCO's efforts in creating a network of creative cities and to fully support the aspirations of countries which are keen joining the network of creative cities. 

We also welcome Malaysia's intention to nominate Kuching City as one of the creative cities which is a pragmatic effort that will have a positive impact on our local socio-economic developments as well as increasing the visibility, give positive image to Malaysia and Sarawak at international scene. 

Such noble efforts are also is in line with ASEAN’s Vision 2025 that is aimed to create a more prosperous and competitive community in this region. The Creative City Network or CCN is one of the initiatives introduced by UNESCO back in 2004, to foster innovation and creativity as a catalyst towards sustainable and inclusive city development. 

Among the seven main categories of creative cities that have been outlined are namely science and literature, film, music, design, traditional crafts and arts, gastronomy and media art. Thus, the varieties of heritage menus and ethnic-based dishes that we have back home can make Kuching City one of the top destination of choice to be awarded as a creative city in the gastronomy category. The rich biodiversity which we had include the variety of herbal plants that can be used as a food source can add value to Kuching which can represent Malaysia.

We thank you YB Datuk Seri Hajah Nancy’s efforts towards Kuching attaining the creative city status so that it can join 11 other creative cities that at ASEAN level, under the ASEAN Creative Cities Network (ACCN). The initiative to nominate Kuching City as Creative City of Gastronomy will be one of the cultural tourism products attractions that we will have in boosting Malaysia's economy, its tourism and culture industry.