Sarawak launches first Creative Industry Directory to boost sector growth, investment

KUCHING (April 10): Sarawak has taken a major step towards strengthening its creative economy with the launch of its first-ever Sarawak Creative Industry Directory, a comprehensive database aimed at supporting industry growth, planning and investment.

State Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah described the directory as an “important milestone in recognising and organising the state’s growing creative ecosystem”.

“Inside here, you can see practically everything. The total number involved in this industry is 3,330 people,” he told a press conference after the launch.

He said the directory contains the names and contact details of individuals and practitioners across a wide range of creative fields, including music, visual arts, performing arts, literary arts, gastronomy, crafts, and media production such as film, television and radio.

Abdul Karim said it will serve as a key reference point for government agencies, industry players and investors, while supporting evidence-based planning for the sector.

“We will be sharing and distributing this directory to all ministries, departments, resident offices and our stakeholders.

“Moving forward, it will help us measure growth, track progress and strengthen the contribution of the creative industry to Sarawak’s development,” he said.

While welcoming the launch, he said the directory will continue to be updated and improved over time.

“This is version 1.0, and there will definitely be 2.0, 3.0 and so on as we update and expand it,” he said.

He added that future improvements being considered include integrating QR codes for each listed individual or business, allowing users to quickly access locations, portfolios and products.

“At the moment, there are addresses, but it would be better if we could scan a QR code and immediately see their office, their products and so on. It will definitely be improved as the years go by,” he said.

Abdul Karim also expressed hope that the directory will eventually be made available online to improve accessibility.

“This book is very good, but I feel it is a bit too bulky. It can be placed in hotels or resident offices for now, but the sooner we can digitalise it, the better,” he said.

He commended those involved in compiling the directory, describing the effort to gather and organise the data as a significant achievement.

“The effort of creating this and collecting the data is something I really applaud. Congratulations to those who came up with this idea,” he said.

Also present were the ministry permanent secretaries Morshidi Fedrick and Datu Sherrina Hussaini, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) chief executive officer Sharzede Salleh Askor, and Sarawak Craft Council (SCC) chief executive officer Suriya Charles.