Cultural identity key to strengthening presence on global stage

KUCHING: Sarawak’s cultural identity can serve as a powerful form of influence, strengthening the state’s presence and reputation beyond its borders.

Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said a state’s influence should not be measured solely by the resources it possesses, but also by the stories it tells and how it is perceived and remembered by others.

“When the world comes to Sarawak to attend our festivals, experience our food, visit our rainforests and meet our people, they return as friends, partners and ambassadors.

“This is diplomacy in its most enduring form. It is a form of influence that each of you, through your respective organisations and networks, can help build,” he said.

Abdul Karim said this when speaking at the fifth edition of the Sarawak Women of the Future (SWOT) 2026 programme at Damai Lagoon Resort here today.

He welcomed the programme as a platform to empower women, particularly those leading agencies, women’s organisations and bodies involved in women’s development.

“It is my hope that programmes such as this will inspire women to strive for greater heights,” he said.

Meanwhile, Women’s Leadership Foundation’s (WLF) founder and deputy chairperson, who is also SWOT committee chairperson, Datuk Zunaidah Idris said the programme had reached its fifth year in 2026.

She said the initiative went beyond organising an annual event, with its broader goal focused on nurturing and developing more women leaders.

“Our efforts are not merely about organising a programme, but are aimed at producing more women leaders.

“Alhamdulillah, more than 200 women entrepreneurs have been assisted and trained through this development programme,” she said.

Participants also attended sharing and motivational sessions featuring Chef Wan Restaurant Group’s founder, Datuk Dr Chef Redzuawan Ismail.