Sarawak aims to become a world-class cultural heritage center - Abdul Karim

KUCHING, Sept. 21: Sarawak aims to be not only a leading eco-tourism destination but also a world class cultural heritage hub as part of the state's socioeconomic development aspirations.

The Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the tourism, heritage and creative industries sector continues to be among the main hubs of state development.

According to him, efforts to realize these aspirations require the important role of the Sarawak Museum Department in preserving history, art and heritage, as well as introducing Sarawak's cultural wealth to the international community.

"The Government of Sarawak has consistently placed the tourism, heritage and creative industries sectors as a major core for socio-economic development of the state. We are targeting Sarawak not only as a leading eco-tourism destination, but also as a world class cultural heritage hub. In realizing this great aspiration, the Sarawak Department of Museums holds a very important mandate", he said while addressing the Sarawak Museum Department's 2026 Appreciation Night Meeting at a hotel here, last night.

He said that the museum not only serves as a place to store antiquities or treasures, but also acts as a custodian of Sarawak's identity and soul to ensure that the state's historical narrative remains intact, accurate and passed down from generation to generation.

He said the Sarawak Museum Department also acts as an ambassador for cultural diplomacy, thus opening up space to outsiders to understand the richness of biodiversity, ethnic diversity and uniqueness of Borneo's civilization.

Meanwhile, he said the museum also serves as a high impact education and tourism hub through its ability to attract domestic and international tourists, besides providing quality learning ecosystem for younger generations.

Abdul Karim said that Sarawak's success on the global stage, including the recognition of prestigious heritage sites and hosting international exhibitions, proves the citizens of the state museum have the expertise and competence to compete internationally.

"The participation of the Sarawak Museum Department in the 22nd International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) General Assembly and Scientific Symposium next October will be an important platform for promoting the cultural heritage of Sarawak and Malaysia internationally.

"The world-class gathering is scheduled to take place from 17 to 24 October 2026, bringing together over 1,500 experts and heritage policy makers from 110 countries, this participation gives Sarawak an opportunity to highlight the historical, cultural and heritage richness of the state to the international community", he said.

He added that to celebrate the conference, the Sarawak Museum Department also organized four special programs: Night at the Museum: Sarawak Authentic Gastronomy, Sarawak Museum Talk, Sarawak Museum Heritage Walk and tour guides on heritage sites.

He said that the programme will highlight the unique culinary, historical and cultural art of the region to international visitors who come to Sarawak.

Meanwhile, Abdul Karim said the Sarawak Museum Department is also preparing to host the Sarawak Heritage Conference 2026 from November 23 to 24, which will bring together experts, researchers and cultural practitioners to preserve and promote Sarawak's cultural and natural heritage.