Kudos to the organisers of “Southeast Asia International Art Camp 2023” and the launch of “The South-East Asian ArtLiST Vol. 1” book.

We congratulated our local artist, Gerald Goh and his great team for having organised the “Southeast Asia International Art Camp 2023” and the launching of the book entitled “The South-East Asian ArtLiST Vol. 1”. The inaugural “Southeast Asia International Art Camp 2023” was held in Kuching City to celebrate the vibrant and artistic spirits of Southeast Asia and to showcase the diverse talents of the artist community in this region. 

I was invited to be the guest of honour for the launching which was held at The Spring shopping complex and in my speech, I have commended the organisers for giving us a good insight into the creative soul of Southeast Asia while revealing its depth and passion through the captivating works of those coming from different countries. 

There were a lot of local and foreign masters, young talents who are involved including few artists with special needs. Essentially, we can tell these two events are well received by the Southeast Asian artist communities simply by seeing their enormous support and participation.

I have also mentioned the Sarawak Government through the leadership of our Right Honourable Premier of Sarawak had always welcomed and support the staging of international events which promote the creative industry development agenda. This is also important we need to give exposure and to promote Sarawak as the upcoming “creative hub” in Malaysia and even at international stage.

Gerald Goh was awarded a fourth Malaysia Book of Records’ title for being the first Malaysian to paint at Claude Monet’s residence in France. It is a prestigious recognition, bestowed upon him for the fourth time and it is not merely a personal milestone. It is a testament to the power of dreams, the tenacity of the human spirit, and the transformative nature of art.

Goh’s second book which entitled ‘The Southeast Asian ArtLiST Vol.1’ is the compilation of art pieces by local and international artists, and individuals with special needs. The three-day Southeast Asia International Art Camp 2023 had gathered a total of 40 artists from the Southeast Asian region. They are participating in the discovery camp on the beauty of the architecture and lifestyle of Sarawak which include visits to Kuching Old Bazaar and Damai.