Bintulu division will become host for this year's Sarawak Youth Week celebration from 13 to 19 October

Bintulu division will become host for this year's Sarawak Youth Week celebration which is on from 13 to 19 October. Over 5,000 youths from within and outside Bintulu are expected to participate in the annual event which is organised by Ministry of Youth, Sports & Entrepreneur Development Sarawak (MYSED). This year’s theme is “Our Aspirational Youth” and the event is aimed to give recognition, empowerment to our youths, as well as serve as a platform to develop the talents of young Sarawakians.

This programme is also expected to inspire positive changes among the young generation in our local community and it serves as a symbolic appreciation by Sarawak Government for the important role of youth in the holistic development of our nation and state.

The development of our youths had always received the attention of Sarawak Government, including through the implementation of the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS 2030) to drive them to progress. Various activities will be organised throughout the week, including “Youth Champion”, “Youth Active”, “Youth Marketplace”, “Youth Care” and “Youth Got Talent”. 

Colourful end to 2025 edition of Borneo Games, East Kalimantan Indonesia will become host in 2027

We congratulate East Kalimantan (KalTim), Indonesia, for having been selected as the host for the 2027 edition of the Borneo Games to be held in their beautiful city of Samarinda. The decision for East Kalimantan to host the 2027 games was reached unanimously during a meeting held at Sarawak Golf Club in Petra Jaya, Kuching on 27 September. Alhamdulillah, when the matter was tabled at the meeting, the Governor of East Kalimantan himself His Excellency Rudy Mas'ud had expressed readiness to host the next edition in Samarinda. Unanimously, all agreed that the 2027 Borneo Games will be held in East Kalimantan.

Following the success of this year’s edition in Sarawak, our government would continue to channel contributions and funds to develop sports in Borneo and support regional cooperation that could further enhance the quality of athletes. This was mentioned by our right honourable Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang JohariTun Abang Haji Openg during the closing ceremony of this year's games held at Penview Convention Centre (PCC) Demak on 28 September. Our esteemed Premier had also wished all the visiting athletes a safe journey back home to their families and call upon them to continue training to compete in East Kalimantan in 2027. 

According to him with God willing, by 2027, Sarawak will already have its own airline (AirBorneo) and for us to fly directly to Samarinda, the capital of East Kalimantan. We may also explore cooperation between AirBorneo and Royal Brunei Airlines to connect regions across Borneo region. He had commended the organising of this year's games, which had brought together athletes from Sarawak, Sabah, the Federal Territory of Labuan, Brunei Darussalam and East Kalimantan. The five-day event had reflected the spirit of friendship and understanding among Borneo’s regions that remained strong. The Games were first held in 1954 in Brunei Darussalam as a platform to unite athletes from Sarawak, Sabah and Brunei. But sadly after the 16th edition in 1970, the organising of the games came to a halt due to various constraints before being revived from 2005 to 2013, with the last edition hosted in Labuan. After another 12-year hiatus, the games returned to Kuching this year.  

The games had also given opportunities to those who have competed at the national level the chance to continue competing here, while also preparing for the SEA Games and even the Olympics.We are optimistic for the 2027 edition would be more vibrant with the possibility of wider participation from the five contingents of Sarawak, Sabah, Labuan, Brunei and East Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Good potential for lagoon at Kampung Telaga Air in Padawan to host future Sarawak Regatta and Sarawak International Dragon Boat Race

 I was given the honour to grace the closing and prize presentation ceremony of this year’s “Pesta Regatta Telaga Air” at Kampung Telaga Air in Padawan district and it was indeed an exciting event for the general public who thronged the fishing village since it started on 26 September. In my speech, I have mentioned our Sarawak Government commitment through Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) to supporting the organisation of regattas across the various divisions. Our ministry had offered financial assistance through the “Tourism Event Grant”, which organisers may apply for to facilitate the successful hosting of these culturally significant events. 

For the regatta at Kampung Telaga Air, the event has the potential to become the official venue for future Regatta Sarawak because of the suitable locality of the lagoon-like tributary there. This is also due to the increasing number of entries for both the Sarawak Regatta and Sarawak International Dragon Boats Race from throughout the region as well as overseas. The size of the Sarawak River at our iconic Kuching Waterfront is also not enough to accommodate the increasing numbers of boats competing in the various categories of the annual Sarawak Regatta and Sarawak International Dragon Boat Race.

The organising of regatta is popular in Sarawak because the water sports continues to attract the attention of locals and visitors alike with its unique blend of tradition, thrilling sportsmanship, and vibrant atmosphere. We congratulate both the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) and the Kampung Telaga Air committee members for having successfully organised this year’s regatta which had attracted participation from all over Sarawak.   

Board members meeting of Majlis Seni Sarawak (MSS)

This morning I had chaired the board members meeting for Majlis Seni Sarawak (MSS) which was held at Hilton Hotel Kuching and it was also attended by our Permanent Secretary to Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP), Datu Sherrina Haji Hussaini. The majority of our board members were also present except for two who were absence with apologies.

I have commended the good work of our board members and had also welcomed on board the acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Encik Awang Ikman Awang Bin Awang Sepian who had joined MSS recently. I have reminded on the important role and functions of MSS especially in supporting the organising of pillar events, programs and activities involving our Sarawak Government. Together we can achieve more and to continue the excellent service delivery to all stake holders including our local folks.  

Official launching ceremony of Borneo Games 2025 at Stadium Perpaduan Negeri Sarawak, Petra Jaya, Kuching City

The official launching of the much awaited Borneo Games 2025 was held on a modest scale but the atmosphere was still electric with over 1,000 athletes, their coaches and contingents officials showing their enthusiasm at the ceremony held at Stadium Perpaduan Negeri Sarawak in Petra Jaya, Kuching City. I was given the honour to official launch this year’s games that was last held in 2013. This year Sarawak is host for the games which is participated by contingents from our state, neighbouring Sabah, Labuan, Brunei and East Kalimantan (KalTim), Indonesia. In this year’s edition, there are five main sports featured which include athletics, swimming, badminton, lawn bowls, and archery with a total 124 medals that are up for grabs.

Sarawak is deeply honoured to to host the Borneo Games again and we are not looking so much at winning. The most important objective is for the games to be successful and we can strengthen our friendship with one another. The games is expected to be held every two years, with the next host to be determined before the end of this year’s edition scheduled on 28 September with the closing ceremony will be graced by our Right Honourable Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg.

Official unveiling of logo & tagline for Sarawak's owned airline, AirBorneo

There was much abuzz on the official unveiling of the logo and tagline for Sarawak’s owned airline, “AirBorneo”. The unveiling ceremony was graced by our right honourable Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg who was accompanied by his three deputy premiers namely the honourable Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, as well as other local dignitaries.

The brand identity is inspired by Sarawak’s colours and motifs, symbolises unity in diversity and pays tribute to our state’s rich heritage. The design itself had drawn inspiration from Sarawak’s natural environment that embodies freedom through the wind, progressiveness, and resilience through the deep roots of tradition.

We are indeed proud with our airline’s official logo called the “Wings of Unity” which had also marked a major milestone as it gears up to begin operations in January 2026.

It was also revealed that the airline’s mission is to strengthen Sarawak’s connectivity with the wider region while embodying the state’s unity and cultural heritage. Thus, the AirBorneo is hailed as a symbol of Sarawak’s growing confidence on the global stage. The Airline will also play a pivotal role in advancing the state’s Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS 2030), through strengthening Asean’s air links, job creation, supporting our Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs), improving our infrastructure networks and contributing to our economic growth targets.

The state’s airline also carries the tagline “Borneo for You” and it will position itself as more than just an airline but aspiring to redefine purposeful travel, celebrate culture, and build stronger business and community ties across borders. The airline’s logo is also described as more than a corporate emblem carries a promise to connect Borneo to the rest of the world, and vice versa with authenticity, inclusiveness and purpose. 

The brand itself encapsulates our Premier’s vision of enhanced regional connectivity, economic growth, and cultural pride. Strategically, AirBorneo will take over and expand services previously offered by MASwings, providing the much awaited full-service flights and essential Rural Air Services to Sarawak’s remote communities.

Our Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) does not take sides with any political party in Sabah

Recently I was asked by our media friends to comment on the political situation in Sabah and our Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) does not take sides with any political party there. Instead leaving it entirely to the Sabahan themselves to determine who deserves to be given a mandate in the upcoming Sabah State Election.

This is because GPS respects the right of the voters in Sabah to make the best decision for the future of their state.

For Sabah politics, we do not show any bias towards any party. Many of them are our friends, whether in the government or outside the government. 

Thus, we shall leave it to the people of Sabah to decide who they want to be the government. Being the Information Chief of the United Pesaka Bumiputera Party (PBB), I have also mentioned that GPS had always hope for the democratic process in Sabah to run smoothly. 

At the same time, I have explained that my recent visit to Sabah had no political connection, but rather to attend a youth program that also involved Sarawak, Sabah, Johor and Malacca under the "Youth Integration Program 2025". In this regard, he stressed that any visit by GPS leaders to Sabah should not be interpreted as political support for any party or candidate.

Thousands of our local folks and visitors had gathered at Padang Merdeka for “Kuching City Street Parade 2025”

Thousands of our local folks and visitors had gathered at Padang Merdeka despite the torrential rain prior to the start of the much awaited “Kuching City Street Parade 2025” which was a huge success. Kudos to both Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) and Kuching South City Council (MBKS) for a job well done in jointly organising the exciting event that is being held in conjunction with this year’s “Kuching City Day 2025” celebration. 

Our folks from all walks of life had looked forward to the parade which featured a number of colourful performances from staff of various government agencies, the private sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), Kejiranan Mesra (KJM) groups, and institutions of higher learning. With it’s theme, “Parade of Lights”, had featured around 52 contingents with 2,000 participants.

Among the local dignitaries and distinguished who were also present at the event was Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who represented our right honourable Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg. 

Each contingent’s performance was truly unique and had showcased its own creativity through the dazzling displays of lights, musical performances, cultural performances, and colourful costumes that reflected the cultural diversity and harmony of the people of Sarawak. We were delighted to have a number of domestic and foreign visitors too who were eager to see the various performances including the fireworks display during the grand finale. Our congratulations to all those who had contributed to the success of this year’s parade and we certainly look forward to next coming event. 

Overwhelming response to Sarawak-Sabah-Johor-Malacca "Youth Integration Program 3.0 2025" that ended on 14 August

Recently I had attended the closing ceremony of this year’s “Youth Integration Program 3.0” which took place at the Promenade Hotel, Kota Kinabalu in Sabah. The function was graced by Datuk Ellron Angin, Minister of Youth & Sports Sabah who was also joined by myself, Tuan Mohd Hairi bin Mad Shah, Chairman of Johor’s Youth and Sports, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Committee while Malacca was represented by the senior officer from the state’s Youth, Sports and Non Government Organizations (NGO) Exco Office. 

Also present was Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development. This interesting program was participated in by youth groups from four different states namely Sarawak, Sabah, Johor and Melaka. It was full of various exciting and interactive activities with the main objective of encouraging the active involvement of our youths in leisure, sports and community activities as well as fostering the spirit of unity and community engagement. 

This program also provides the positive avenue for the youth participants to express their potentials through various community related activities organized in several districts of Sabah. Initially this program was started by our Ministry of Youth, Sports & Entrepreneur Development Sarawak (MYSED) together with its counterparts from Sabah and Johor back in the year 2023. 

The inaugural event was held in Kuching City while the second edition of the program was hosted by Johor with Malacca becoming the fourth state in Malaysia to join the initiatives in view of the noble objectives of engaging the youths from various backgrounds that fosters national integration, solidarity and cementing better understanding among future generation of leaders. 

We have high hopes for the organising of future programs that will attract support and participation of youths from other states in Malaysia even though it started on a modest scale. Based on the feedbacks received from the participants, the program had provided an eye opening experience and giving them the opportunity to reach out to others in their peer age group while overcoming communication barriers.  

Showcasing our unique indigenous culinary heritage and cultural identity at the "Serumpun Sarawak" event in Osaka, Japan

It is heartening to see the encouraging response to our “Serumpun Sarawak” event which was held at the “World Expo 2025” of Osaka, Japan on August 5 to 8. The event is aimed to showcase our indigenous culinary heritage and cultural identity on the global stage including at the international expo with the visitors’ experience there is curated by international chef and indigenous gastronomy advocate Chef James Won in collaboration with Alas Collective.

The World Expo itself is a good avenue for us to organise the “Serumpun Sarawak” because visitors from all over the globe because it is being held every five years in different global locations with Osaka, Japan becoming the host for this year’s edition that runs from April until mid-October. The event is held at Seaside Studio Caso as part of World Expo 2025, where visitors are invited to try out Sarawak’s indigenous cuisines and participate in the various activities which include food tasting, storytelling and cultural performances.

We record our appreciation to those who had supported the organising of the inaugural event namely the local collaborators, including Earthlings Coffee Workshop, Tanoti Crafts, The Tuyang Initiative and Culinary Heritage & Arts Society Sarawak (CHASS). Apart from the unique experience the visitors can look forward to, the event will also leave good impressions among the foreign guests on indigenous ingredients, our multi-ethnicities which promote Sarawak as a leading cultural and culinary destination for tourists.

Sarawak's participation in the "World Expo 2025" in Osaka, Japan

I am leading a delegation from Sarawak at the “World Expo 2025” in Osaka, Japan which had attracted the participation of many countries worldwide including Malaysia. The World Expo itself is unique because it is being held every five years in different global locations with Osaka, Japan become host for this year’s edition that runs from April until mid-October.

Throughout the “Sarawak Week” event held at the Malaysia Pavilion, visitors from many countries were treated to a series of cultural showcases, including live demonstrations of “Buri weaving”, a traditional Iban craft, alongside renditions of the famous Sape music performances in which the activities showcase the cultural highlights of the our local indigenous heritage and diversity.

One of the key focus of our delegation’s engagement at the expo was also on the promotion of ‘Sarawak Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H) programme that is well known to offer long-term residency options for foreign nationals who are interested to reside in our state popularly reputed for its peaceful environment, affordability, and multicultural charm. Our Government had chosen to participate in the expo which can serve as a good avenue to raise awareness and generate interest in the programme among global visitors and potential investors. 

Through Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts (MTCP), we had set up the “Sarawak Pavilion” at the Malaysia Pavilion which had attracted the attention of visitors including the local as well as international communities. I had also led our delegation visits to several international pavilions, including our ASEAN neighbour Indonesia, Germany, and Saudi Arabia. We hope together with the mentioned countries there are areas for us to explore tourism partnerships and cultural exchange opportunities. 

We hope to leave the foot prints of commitment to Sarawak’s sustainable tourism, creative industry development, and global collaboration and our participation in this year’s world can reflect the a significant step forward in Sarawak’s mission to become a globally connected, culturally rich, and investor-friendly destination in Malaysia as well as the Island of Borneo.