Ministry holds farewell dinner for Ik Pahon

January 12, 2018

Ik Pahon (third left) seen receiving a memento from Abdul Karim (fifth right) during the dinner on Wednesday. Also seen are Lee (fourth right), Snowdan (fourth left) and others.

KUCHING: The Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Ministry hosted a dinner to say goodbye to the ministry’s outgoing permanent secretary Datu Ik Pahon Joyik on Wednesday.

The minister, in his speech at the dinner, praised Ik Pahon for his work with the ministry, describing him as a person who has vast experience and will certainly do a great job as permanent secretary of another ministry.

“Ik Pahon has been dedicated in serving this ministry. 

Chang Kee reports for duty while Ik Pahon says goodbye

January 11, 2018

Ik Pahon (second left) hands over some notes to Hii in a symbolic handing-over of duties while Abdul Karim (right) and Lee look on. 

KUCHING: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports welcomed its new Permanent Secretary Hii Chang Kee yesterday replacing Datu Ik Pahon Joyik who has been appointed new permanent secretary to the Ministry of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah was present to witness the hand-over of duties between the two senior government officers at Baitulmakmur Building here.

Hii, formerly Sibu Resident prior to his transfer, said he was looking forward to take on the challenges in his new role.

Ministry targets 5.25m visitor arrivals this year

January 11, 2018

KUCHING: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports is targeting 5.25 million visitor arrivals to the state this year.

Its minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah is optimistic the state will be able to reach the target, considering there are more international flights from countries such as China and Indonesia to Sarawak via Kuching starting this year.

“We have a lot of new connectivities such as daily direct flight from Shenzhen, China to Kuching where the response has been quite good and we also have the inaugural flight from Singapore to Bintulu as well as the number of AirAsia flights from Singapore to Kuching has increased from nine to 16.

‘Twice-weekly flight to boost tourism, business’

December 13, 2017

MIRI: The Xpress Air Indonesia inaugural flight to Miri from Pontianak in Indonesia represents a significant milestone in Sarawak’s tourism calender and the cooperation between the state and Kalimantan.

In stating this, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the state was excited to have this twice weekly flight from Pontianak to Miri which he hoped would strengthen the relationship between Sarawak and Kalimantan.

“This will also help in enhancing not only the tourism activities but also business from both places,” he said during a ceremony to welcome the inaugural Pontianak-Miri Express Air flight at Miri Airport yesterday afternoon.

Karim leads delegation to World Para Swimming Championship

December 7, 2017

Karim (fourth right) pose with his delegation and IPC officials.

MEXICO: Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah is leading a delegation from the Ministry and Malaysia National Paralympic Council to Mexico to witness the 2017 World Para Swimming Championship.

The purpose of the visit was to have a hands-on experience on the running of the World Para Swimming Championship. This follows Sarawak winning the bid to host the 2019 Championship in Kuching.

The Minister took the time to witness the competition, tour the technical set-up and meet officials from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to discuss the technical and logistical support needed.

Abdul Karim wants WAK to be continued

November 2, 2017

Abdul Karim speaks to the content drivers of WAK 2017. Also seen here are Marina (centre) and Donald (right).

KUCHING: Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah wants to see the What About Kuching (WAK) festival continue in coming years because it would be a waste to deprive locals of a platform to showcase all that was seen last month.

“I’m really impressed by what has been done by the community of Kuching,” he said during the WAK 2017 after-party on Monday night at Grand Margherita Hotel here.

The first WAK celebrating the arts, culture and lifestyles of the people of Kuching has just concluded, ending an event-packed month of October which saw everything from beads to beats, large-scale international events to local special interest tours, and events packing every weekend.

Karim's ministry feels deeply honoured with Scoot's decision

October 31, 2017

Passengers and crew on Scoot’s inaugural flight to Kuching with members of Sarawak cultural troupe in traditional wear. Also seen are Datu Ik Pahon (third left), Mary Wan (second left), and Vinod (right).

KUCHING: The Sarawak Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Ministry felt deeply honoured with Scoot's - a low-cost arm of the Singapore Airlines Group - decision to choose Kuching as its first destination in East Malaysia.

Its minister, Datuk Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, in his press statement as published by The Borneo Post, said the decision would not only offer a new avenue to the state populace as well as the neigbouring state and country to fly to popular destinations, "we are also immensely pleased to welcome Scoot and its passengers from the region and beyond to visit our beautiful state that is a prime destination for culture, nature and adventure tourism."

He added his ministry was confident that "the launch of Scoot’s direct flight between Kuching and Singapore will further help us to promote Sarawak and Kuching as the preferred nature tourism destination.”

Sarawakians must preserve their culture, tradition, heritage as tourism assets, says Abdul Karim

October 22, 2017

Abdul Karim (sixth left) and his wife Zuraini (fifth left) given a special welcome in the Kayan tradition called ‘parap’ on stage during the dinner. Dennis is on seventh left.

KUCHING: Sarawakians must do their best to preserve their culture, tradition and heritage if the state is to welcome more visitors and tourists.

According to Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the state’s traditional cultures and heritage are important tourism assets which could also benefit the various communities economically.

“Do your best to preserve what you have which is your culture, tradition and heritage. It is not only important for your future generation, but they also can help you earn income,” he said during a dinner organised by the Kuching branch, Sarawak Kayan Association at a local hotel here on Friday.

Sarawakians must preserve their culture, tradition, heritage as tourism assets, says Abdul Karim

October 22, 2017

Abdul Karim (sixth left) and his wife Zuraini (fifth left) given a special welcome in the Kayan tradition called ‘parap’ on stage during the dinner. Dennis is on seventh left.

KUCHING: Sarawakians must do their best to preserve their culture, tradition and heritage if the state is to welcome more visitors and tourists.

According to Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the state’s traditional cultures and heritage are important tourism assets which could also benefit the various communities economically.

“Do your best to preserve what you have which is your culture, tradition and heritage. It is not only important for your future generation, but they also can help you earn income,” he said during a dinner organised by the Kuching branch, Sarawak Kayan Association at a local hotel here on Friday.

About 4,000 youths to converge on Betong for Youth Day do

October 13, 2017

Abdul Karim (third right) shows the state-level Youth Day celebration logo while (from right) Rentap, Ik Pahon and Snowdan look on.

KUCHING: About 4,000 young people are expected at the state-level Youth Day 2017 to be held at Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan Sports Hall in Betong from Oct 27-29.

The event themed ‘Youths catalysts of inspiration, drivers of innovation’ (Belia pencetus inspirasi, pemacu innovasi) is aimed at reaching out to youths and create stronger ties with them to understand and meet their needs as well as provide an avenue for them to interact with the community and their leaders in the spirit of solidarity.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg would officiate at the opening ceremony.

Karim wants a sports school for Sarawak

October 12, 2017

Abdul Karim (seated, centre), Snowdan (seated second right) and Ik Pahon (seated, second left) in a photo-call with symposium participants.

KUCHING: Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah wants to see the establishment of a sports school in the state become a reality, as he believed it will help to produce high quality athletes which in long run would catapult the state to be a sports powerhouse in the country.

“I’m a little bit envious of our friends from Sabah, they have got a sports school. We don’t have a sports school in Sarawak. 

"The so-called sports school we have here in Tabuan (Jaya) here does not meet the criteria of a sports school. It is only equivalent to a boarding school,” he said when officiating the 3rd East Malaysia Coaching Symposium and Sports Science Seminar here yesterday.

‘Tourism Satellite Account good for tourism industry’

October 11, 2017

Abdul Karim (third right) receives a souvenir from Mohd Usir (third left) while others look on.

KUCHING: The state government has put in place the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA), a concept that must be fully understood by industry players for good use.

According to Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Hamzah the TSA was not something new to local tourism players but a good analysis from such data would help improve their overall performance and bring the industry to greater heights.

“The important thing now is to use the account properly as its significance is not only beneficial to tourism players but also in the way we use the account to manage our country.

New reason to visit Kuching

October 2, 2017

Abdul Karim (centre) beats an electronic drum to officially launch WAK 2017. Looking on from left are Curtis, Ik Pahon, Donald and Marina

KUCHING: What About Kuching (WAK) 2017 is the new reason for visitors to book their tickets to Kuching in October – traditionally a slow month in our inbound tourism calendar – to come and meet the city folk doing what they do best.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg notes that it has been the spirit of collaboration that has truly marked this festival.

“It is presented by the Sarawak government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports, yet driven by the communities of Kuching. It has seen public-private cooperation with funding and support from private enterprises and various government agencies, facilitating the efforts of ordinary Kuching people.

Sarawak Regatta – Kuching Waterfront Festival 2017 from Nov 10-19

September 29, 2017

Abdul Karim chooses the official shirt for the Sarawak Regatta – Kuching Waterfront Festival 2017. Ik Pahon is at left.

KUCHING: The Sarawak Regatta – Kuching Waterfront Festival 2017 will be held from Nov 10 to 19 this year at Kuching Waterfront.

According to Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the International Dragon Boat races will be held from Nov 10 to Nov 12 and Sarawak Regatta boat races will be held the following week from Nov 17 to Nov 19.

Besides the boat races, Abdul Karim said there will be many other programmes such as the Sarawak Kitchen or Food and Entrepreneurial Sale Festival as well as Malaysian Craft Sale throughout the period.

State govt eyeing global standards for sports facilities

September 4, 2017

Uggah (third left) presents the Best Sportsman Award to Loh Jack Chang. Also seen (from left) are Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Ministry permanent secretary Datu Ik Pahon Joyik, Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Snowdan Lawan, Karim, State Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani, and MSNS director Dr Ong Kong Swee.

KUCHING: The state government will continue to improve sports facilities to reach international standards in order to become key venues for international-level championships.

Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said having international-standard sporting venues can act as catalysts in improving the quality of athletes’ performances.

“The venue has a big impact on the athletes when they train, especially when they get to train at international-standard venues in the state.

Inaugural ‘Sarawak Adventure Challenge: The Lost Mines’ to be held Oct 14 in Bau

July 18, 2017

Abdul Karim (fifth right) seen holding fliers for the event together with Lee (centre), Henry (fourth right), Miro (third right), Ik Pahon (second right) and other officials after the press conference yesterday.

KUCHING: The state government will organise a first-of-its-kind multi-sport adventure event, called the ‘Sarawak Adventure Challenge: The Lost Mines’, in Bau this year.

Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the event will be staged on Oct 14 and will offer cash prizes of over RM33,000.

“Sarawak is renowned for its rainforests, rivers and scenery, and the race route will take competitors through some spectacular landscape. Over the course of the event, competitors will cover more than 40 kilometres of mountain biking, more than 14 kilometres of trail-running, as well as a caving section,” he said during a press conference yesterday.

RWMF gets 1Gbps connectivity boost

July 13, 2017

Abdul Karim (second right) walks through puddles of rainwater from the previous night to get to the festival stage on the left. 

Abdul Karim (third right) shows a copy of the book ‘Rainforest World Music Festival – 20 Years of Song and Rhythm in Sarawak’ after it was presented to him by the authors Gracie (fourth right) and Lah (second right). Also seen are Mary Wan (right) and Ik Pahon (third left).

KUCHING: The 20th Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) gets a connectivity boost from Sacofa Sdn Bhd, which recently increased capacity up to 1Gbps at Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) and the immediate areas.

This means people in the area can now enjoy free plug-and-play wifi access, a bonus for festival goers, journalists, and social media practitioners.

“In the past, those who came to RWMF complained of bad connectivity. With too many people, the speed was slow and there was no way to share real-time scenarios with their friends and relatives back home,” said Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah yesterday.

‘Ministry fully supports Borneo Fashion Week’

July 8, 2017

Abdul Karim (third right) trying the ‘sape’ when visiting the exhibition booth. Also seen are Lee (right) and Ik Pahon (second right).

KUCHING: The state government through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Youth and Sports fully supports the organising of Borneo Fashion Week to help put Borneo fashion on the world stage.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the event besides promoting local fashion internationally, will also help to develop the fashion industry in the state.

“The ministry (Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports fully support the event (Borneo Fashion Week) because it seeks to put Borneo fashion on the world stage through the digital platform and that is especially with young entrepreneurs of the state.

“If such event is held annually, the ministry will always give support,” he said at the launching of Borneo Fashion Week (BFW) 2017 at Borneo 744, here yesterday.

BFW 2017 which started yesterday and ends tomorrow is to create the entire manufacturing chain in the fashion industry within the state from designing right up to runway and retail.

This year’s edition of RWMF different from previous years

July 8, 2017

KUCHING: The 20th Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) is this year different from previous years with the presence of an inaugural Rainforest Fringe Festival (RFF) from July 7 to 16.

During the launching ceremony held at the Old Courthouse here yesterday, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said RFF is a 10-day spectacle of the best that Sarawak has to offer in terms of art, craft, music, fashion, food, film and photography.

“In previous years, RWMF was always confined in Damai, about 20km away from here.

My statement is similar as Masidi's - Karim

July 5, 2017

KUCHING: The meeting between tourism ministries of Sarawak and Sabah has seen both sides agreeing that if the Tourism Act 2017 were to be enforced, it should serve as a catalyst of growth for the industry.

In a statement issued yesterday, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment of Sabah Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun said the meeting also agreed on the contents of a draft memorandum to be presented to the federal government.

When contacted, state Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said he agreed with what Masidi had said in the statement.

“Treat my statement as similar as his (Masidi’s),” Abdul Karim told The Borneo Post.

The statement further pointed out that the interest of the tourism industry of both Sarawak and Sabah was the overriding consideration in the preparation of the memorandum on the Tourism Tax Act 2017.

“The industry’s growth and sustainability are crucial to the future economic wellbeing of the two Borneo states,” added the statement.