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Wee (fourth right) in a group photo with the Chaozhou delegation during the courtesy visit.
KUCHING (March 14): The mayors of Kuching South and Chaozhou have held discussions on strengthening cooperation through gastronomy and food culture.
According to the Kuching South City Council (MBKS), Datuk Wee Hong Seng paid a courtesy call on Cai Danqun during his visit in China.
MBKS said the meeting marked a significant step towards boosting collaboration between the two cities in promoting their culinary heritage.
Both Kuching and Chaozhou are recognised under the Unesco Creative Cities Network as Creative Cities of Gastronomy.
The discussion focused on potential areas of collaboration, including exchanges between chefs, culinary professionals and food entrepreneurs to share knowledge, techniques and food traditions.
Both cities also expressed interest in jointly documenting, preserving and promoting their culinary heritage, including traditional recipes and local ingredients that reflect the identity of their communities.
MBKS added that both cities would explore opportunities to participate in each other’s food festivals, culinary exhibitions and gastronomy-related programmes.
Collaboration in education, research and training related to gastronomy, culinary innovation and sustainable food practices was also discussed.
Wee said the visit was meaningful as both cities share strong cultural connections through food traditions.
He noted that Chaozhou is widely known for its rich culinary heritage and craftsmanship in cuisine.
“The influence of Chaozhou culture has spread across Southeast Asia, and this heritage can also be seen in Kuching’s multicultural food culture,” he said in a statement on Friday.
Wee added that gastronomy plays an essential role in connecting people, preserving heritage and supporting local livelihoods.
“Kuching’s gastronomy reflects the rich diversity of Sarawak, where Malay, Chinese, Dayak, Indian and many indigenous communities contribute to a vibrant culinary landscape,” said Wee.
As part of strengthening cooperation within the Unesco Creative Cities Network, Wee also invited Cai and his delegation to attend the 3rd Annual Assembly of the Unesco Creative Cities of Gastronomy, which will be held in Kuching from Aug 3 to 7.
An accompanying UCCN Pavilion will also be organised from Aug 3 to 9, allowing participating cities to showcase their culinary traditions to the public and international delegates.
Wee also invited chefs and food entrepreneurs from Chaozhou to participate in the pavilion by presenting authentic Chaozhou delicacies.
“This will allow the people of Sarawak to experience the unique flavours of Chaozhou cuisine while strengthening culinary exchange between our cities,” he said.
He expressed confidence that cooperation between Kuching and Chaozhou would continue to grow.
“Food has the power to bring people together.
“Through gastronomy, our cities can build stronger friendships and deeper cultural understanding,” added Wee.
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