A delightful evening with participants of recent 18th United Nations (UN) Executive Tourism Training Programme

We had a delightful evening with participants of the recent 18th United Nations (UN) Tourism Training Program who were treated to a farewell dinner at Sheraton Hotel Kuching recently. I have thanked the organisers for having invited me and my wife to be with them. 

We had a great time meeting and greeting the participants including senior UN Tourism officials namely Mr. Beka Jakeli, the Director for External Relations; Mr. Harry Hwang the Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific as well as Mr. Sinyoung An Senior the Officer for Asia and the Pacific.

Also present were senior local government officials who include Datu Hii Chang Kee, our Deputy State Secretary (Operations) and Datu Sherrina Hussain, the Permanent Secretary to Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP).

We had welcomed representatives of the 21 UN's member states and five international observers who had been in Kuching on 28 to 31 October for the 18th edition of the Executive Training Programme that had become an iconic activity within UN Tourism in the Asia/Pacific region, supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea. 

It is an honour for us to host this program in Sarawak that underscores the significance of our Government's commitment to effective partnerships and continual dialogues to advance tourism in a responsible and sustainable manner.

Apart from having a forum on Luxury Tourism Market on the first day of the event, there were four essential training sessions were conducted that include  (1) Destination Management Strategies, (2) Marketing and Promotion of Luxury Tourism, (3) Customer Experience and Service Excellence, and (4) Investment in Luxury Tourism. In addition, presentations were made by every Member State, showcasing the current state and future prospects of luxury tourism in their respective countries. 

We hope all the participants had also enjoyed the  technical tour where officials and delegates visited Semenggoh Wildlife Centre in Padawan and Borneo Cultures Museum (BCM)

Congratulations to Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) for having entered a Tripartite Campaign Agreement with Scoot of Singapore and Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office (STATOS) in Singapore.

We had congratulated Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) for having entered a Tripartite Campaign Agreement with Scoot of Singapore and Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office (STATOS) in Singapore. The agreement had marked another pivotal step in promoting Sarawak’ diverse offerings and further enhancing its visibility across the global tourism landscape. 

In collaboration with Business Events Sarawak (BE Sarawak) and STATOS, STB had also hosted the "Sarawak Bleisure Networking Session", positioning Sarawak as an ideal leisure destination on the world map especially in Singapore.

The strategic partnership had also aimed to strengthen inbound travel from Singapore into Sarawak with 14 weekly flights operated by Scoot, an increase from 10 weekly flights back in 2022. This would promote the region's cultural and adventure tourism attractions while driving greater traffic to these key destinations from Singapore. The collaboration highlights STB's ongoing commitment to create opportunities for cultural exchanges, business collaborations, and knowledge sharing, further enhancing Sarawak’s role as a leading gateway to Borneo.

Commending winners of the recent Sarawak Civil Service Innovation Convention Awards (SCSICA) 2024

Well done and congratulations to all winners of the recent Sarawak Civil Service Innovation Convention Awards (SCSICA) 2024 who were celebrated at the dinner and prize-giving ceremony at Pullman Hotel Kuching. 

A total of 50 Innovative and Creative Circle (ICC) teams from various government bodies and agencies had successfully progressed to the final stage in 12 contested categories. The winners received their prizes from our right honourable Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg.

The SCSICA 2024 had run from October 21 to 25 in conjunction with the Public Service Innovation Month (SCSIMon) which had the objective of providing a platform for sharing experiences and ideas to achieve service delivery excellence. This year's SCSIMon has the theme "Excellence in Service Delivery based on Integrity and Innovation"

Sarawak Warriors 2024 Awards & Appreciation Night held at Park Royal Hotel on Beach Road, Singapore.

My thanks to the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office in Singapore (STATOS) for having invited me and my wife to attend the recent "Sarawak Warriors 2024" Awards and Appreciation Night held at the Park Royal Hotel on Beach Road, Singapore.

I was also invited to present the “Sarawak Warriors 2024” awards for the Best Travel Agency category.

Well done and congratulations to the recipients of this award which was aimed to recognize the outstanding contribution of travel agents and partners in promoting Sarawak as a major tourist destination throughout 2023. The ceremony also saw the presentation of the winner of the Sarawak’s Top Rainforest Warriors Award for the Best Salesperson category.

Great experience at Indonesia Batik Festival 2024 at Yogjakarta

Recently we had an invitation extended by our counterparts in Indonesia to attend this year's Indonesia Batik Festival which is at Yogjakarta, Indonesia on October 18 to 20. The delegation from Sarawak had consisted of myself and YB Datuk Snowdan Lawan the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) for as well as officials from the ministry.

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Our delegation also had the opportunity to pay a courtesy visit to His Excellency Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, the Governor of the Special District of Yogyakarta. Our appreciation to His Excellency Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X for being willing to discuss with our delegation which is focused on the potential cooperation between Sarawak and Indonesia in the field of batik textiles which play an important role in the traditional cultural identity of both sides.

For the record, Yogyakarta was awarded as "World Batik City" in 2014 by the World Craft Council (WCC). The special region has preserved its traditional batik-making techniques, which have been passed down from generation to generation.

Through the collaboration between Sarawak and Yogyakarta, it has the potential to help both parties in various fields such as batik techniques, motif design, and preservation efforts, increasing the cultural and economic value of this traditional art form.

It can also give Sarawak a unique opportunity to learn from its practices in heritage preservation and knowledge exchange. For Sarawak's craft industry, it also gives positive exposure because of Yogyakarta's successful approach that supports batik artisans while adapting them to meet contemporary market demands. Sarawak can develop the local batik craft sector by integrating the practice of economic sustainability of the batik industry in Yogyakarta which is supported by artisans, strategic marketing and branding.

Giving credit to Malaysia Academy of Sciences for organising the 2nd International Tropical Science Conference 2024 (TROPSC2024)

Thank you to Malaysia Academy of Sciences for having invited me to be a panelist in the policy dialogue session on sustainable development in tropical regions which was held in conjunction with the 2nd International Tropical Science Conference 2024 (TROPSC2024) at The Waterfront Hotel.

It is an interesting subject considering the tropics is home to nearly 40 percent of the world's population. It is also a region of unique biodiversity, rich natural resources, and interesting cultures as well as traditions. 

However, the folks here are also facing some of the most pressing sustainability challenges, from deforestation and biodiversity loss to the impacts of climate change. We had welcomed the organising of this international conference in Kuching because it had recognised the future of sustainable development hinges on the ability of tropical nations to strike a balance between economic progress and environmental conservation. 

I had also presented a paper on the importance of youth in sustainable development in the tropics. Even it was brief but it was well received by the audience consisting of academicians from various countries. In terms of demographic dividends, by the year 2025 there will be over 67 percent of the global population under 15 will live in the tropics particularly in Africa and parts of Asia. Our youths are also increasingly recognised as leaders in climate change. 

This is why their engagement in initiatives focussed on climate change is crucial as they bring fresh perspectives and urgency to the discussion on the subject matter. I have also spoke on advocacy and participation of our youths who can participate in advocacy and decision making processes related to sustainability. 

On innovation and technology, our youths are at the forefront of technological advancements that can support sustainable practices. Thus, their familiarity with digital tools allows them to leverage technology for environmental monitoring, disaster management, and community engagement, enhancing resilience against climate impacts.

Engaging our youths in community projects fosters social cohesion and empowers them to contribute positively to society because it encourage social cohesion and community development. Their involvement not only aids personal development but also promotes collective action towards achieving SDGs, particularly those related to poverty alleviation, education, and health.

On interconnectedness of Issues, we need to have youth engagement that will help to highlight the interconnectedness of various challenges such as climate change, health crises, and economic inequality that will allow for more holistic approaches to sustainable development.

Numerous corporate sponsors for the forthcoming Sarawak International Dragon Boat Race 2024 and Sarawak Regatta 2024

We had congratulated the Kuching Resident Office for having having attracted numerous sponsors for this year's Sarawak International Dragon Boat Race 2024 and Sarawak Regatta 2024 which will take place starting October 25. 

Dozens of local and international teams are vying for top honours in this year's event which will held at the Sarawak River and ending at Kuching Waterfront. The International Dragon Boat Race had attracted over 2,000 rowers representing 61 teams from 21 countries. It will also be officiated by the Premier of Sarawak, His Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on 26 October. 

The Sarawak Regatta 2024 will take place from 1 to 3 November and the final race to win the title of the “King of the River” title with the prize money of RM30,000 will be held on 3 November. This event will be graced by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, His Excellency Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar who will witness the King of the River final race which is on 3 November.

Various interesting side events will also be held including the Sarawak Kitchen, Borneo Textile Craft Festival and Sarawak Malay Drum Festival. Recently the Kuching had organized the sponsorship presentation ceremony for the forthcoming event. 

Also present during the function were Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) who had generously sponsored RM500,000 as a platinum sponsor, while RM300,000 each from Petroleum Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), Petra Energy Berhad and Bintulu Port Holdings as sponsors gold and RM50,000 from JX Nippon Oil & Gas Exploration (Malaysia) Limited as the bronze sponsor.

Courtesy visit to our Governor of Sarawak, His Excellency Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar

Alhamdulillah. This morning I had led a delegation for a courtesy call on our governor, His Excellency Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi at Astana Negeri Sarawak in Petra Jaya Kuching.

The purpose of the visit was to inform and invite His Excellency and his wife to attend the forthcoming Sarawak Regatta 2024 which will take place at Kuching Waterfront on November 1 to 3. 

The Kuching Waterfront will be buzzing with a host of activities in conjunction with the Sarawak Regatta – Kuching Waterfront Festival this Oct 25 to Nov 3. Premier of Sarawak, the Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg will perform the eye-dotting and officiate the opening for the Sarawak Regatta on October 26 whereas the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar will witness the Piala Raja Sungai race on November 3. Other activities which will be held in conjunction with the two exciting events are Sarawak Entrepreneur Showcase, Borneo Craft Festival, cooking demonstration, and Festival Gendang Melayu Sarawak.

Overwhelming response for Borneo Sonic Music Festival at Sarawak Stadium, Kuching

We had a delightful time at this year's edition of Borneo Sonic Music Festival 2024 (BSMF2024) which had attracted overwhelming response for local folks and also concert goers from other countries. The two-day event was held at Sarawak Stadium in Petra Jaya, Kuching and the opening night had attracted about 15,000 people while second night was attended by 20,000 people.

We had the wonderful opportunity to have met the popular Indonesian entertainer, Bunga Cinta Lestari (BCL) at the backstage and the versatile singer was among the star-studded list of performers featured in this year's concert.

Our Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP) are among the supporters for the BSMF which is one of the popular international music festivals that had put Sarawak's name on the world music map.

We are also thankful with the fine weather that had prevailed during the two-day event and the concert goers are most eager to look forward to next year's event which will showcase an exciting celebration of diversity and musical talents from all over.

Joining our folks in the thanksgiving prayers and Yassen recital session at Masjid Jamek, Petra Jaya Kuching

There were 1,500 of our local folks who attended last night’s thanksgiving prayers and Yaseen recital which were held at Masjid Jamek, Petra Jaya Kuching in conjunction with the 78th birthday celebration of Sarawak’s Governor, His Excellency Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.

We were delighted with the good turn out and the congregation was also joined by his Right Honourable Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Abang Openg and local dignitaries.

All set for the parade and march pass at Padang Merdeka, Kuching this weekend

The morning's weather was simply fantastic for the final day full dress rehearsal for the forthcoming parade and march pass to be held in conjunction with the 78th birthday celebrations of Sarawak’s Governor. There are 78 contingents involving 3,100 participants are taking part in the parade and march pass on October 12 which is part of the 7 major events to be held in conjunction with our governor’s birthday, the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar. 

The parade is also the highlight of seven events scheduled for Oct 10 to Oct 13 in Kuching. The state's award investiture ceremony will be held on the same day after the parade concludes. The event is also much awaited among our city folks who can witness for themselves the colourful display of the participants’ dress code and a variety of performances to be staged during the entertainment segments of the parade.

Welcoming the forthcoming Sarawak Open International Dragon & Lion Dance Cup 2024

The staging of the forthcoming Sarawak Open International Dragon & Lion Dance Cup 2024 on October 26 and 27 at Stadium Perpaduan Negeri Sarawak in Petra Jaya, Kuching has the full support from Sarawak Government through the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts (MTCP). 

The event is organized by Chinese Martial Art Association and sanctioned by the Dragon & Lion Dances Federation of Malaysia. It is heartening to see the organizers had received confirmed entries from 40 dragon and lion dance teams from throughout Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam.

It will be another attraction among tourists who will be flocking Kuching City this month which will feature quite a number of exciting events. We lauded the organising of this exciting event which features cross-cultural involvement that reflects the spirit of mutual respect and appreciation that defines Sarawak’s multiethnic society. 

The participation of diverse communities in lion dance performances adds depth to its significance, turning it into not just a celebration of our Chinese community heritage but a broader expression of Sarawak’s shared cultural identity.

Presenting incentives to exemplary students of SMK Asajaya from the 2023/ 2024 Cohort and "A Score Program"

I have congratulated all of our exemplary students from Sekolah Menengah Kerajaan Asajaya (SMK Asajaya) in Kota Samarahan who once again had done us proud in the year 2023 public examinations. They were feted to an incentive presentation ceremony which was held at Dewan Suarah Kota Samarahan it was  organised by the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) together with the school in recognition to all students of Cohort 2023/ 2024 and “A Score Program”. 

The majority of them had already enrolled in various Public Institutions of Higher Learning Education Institutions (IPTA) in Sarawak, Sabah and other states while there was one student who was accepted by a university in Morocco. I had also thanked the management of the school who had invited me to grace the occasion which was attended by 200 participants including the students’ parents and their teachers. It is a joyful occasion for all of us and it goes without saying that students from outside town areas can excelled in their studies and be on par with their peers in urban schools.