Kuching to host Unesco Creative Cities’ third gastronomy assembly in August

KUCHING (Jan 28): Kuching is set to host the Third Annual Assembly of Unesco Creative Cities Network (UCCN) of Gastronomy this Aug 4 to 7.

To take place at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) auditorium, the event will highlight the city’s growing influence in global culinary circles.

Organised by the MBKS and Kuching Gastronomy Association, the four-day assembly is set to gather 170 international delegates from Unesco Creative Cities of Gastronomy, alongside local and regional participants.

Moreover, it will coincide with the annual Food and Cultural Festival.

Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the activities throughout the four days would include official working sessions involving the delegates, and also a charity dinner themed ‘Plate for Purpose’.

“The dinner will showcase a collaboration of 10 international chefs and 10 Sarawakian chefs, blending global culinary innovation with Sarawak’s rich heritage,” he said during a press conference on UNNC of Gastronomy 3.0 at Baitulmakmur II here on Tuesday.

Additionally, Abdul Karim said the assembly would also feature the UCCN Pavilion, where the visitors could sample cuisines from 20 different Unesco Creative Cities of Gastronomy.

“Hosting this assembly positions Sarawak as a leading creative city in Southeast Asia, strengthening our international profile, boosting cultural tourism, and opening new pathways to long-term global partnerships.

“Kuching’s location in Southeast Asia, home to some 700 million people, gives the city a competitive edge in attracting tourists and international events.

“It’s not easy, but we’ve built a reputation for hosting major conferences and sports events, while still being recognised as one of the safest cities in the region.”

Meanwhile, Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng praised the local chefs and culinary practitioners for elevating the city’s global standing.

“Over the years, our culinary communities have carried Kuching’s name beyond our shores.

“Gastronomy is not just about food, as it is also about diplomacy, cultural exchange, and positioning Kuching on the international map,” he said.

Wee also highlighted the city’s ongoing collaborations, including a joint gastronomy project with Madinah in Saudi Arabia, which would involve a chef-exchange programme and a joint publication documenting the cross-cultural culinary journey between the two regions.

“This demonstrates how gastronomy can connect communities, foster friendships between cities and nations, and serve as a bridge between cultures,” he added.

Also present were Deputy Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan; the ministry’s permanent secretary Datu Sherrina Hussaini; Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development’s permanent secretary Morshidi Fredrick; Saudi Culinary Arts Commission research and assets preservation head Majed Almuhanna and his delegation; as well as Culinary Heritage and Arts Society Sarawak president Datin Dona Drury Wee.