KUCHING: The Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts is encouraging stronger regional cooperation through arts, culture, sports and youth activities, particularly among Sarawak’s immediate neighbours.
Its Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said this is important for forging closer ties with neighbouring countries such as Brunei Darussalam and Kalimantan.
“There is no point in trying to go so far overseas when you don’t even know who your neighbours are.
“Therefore, whether it’s in art, sports or youth activities, it’s better to get close to your neighbours first,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the ‘Neighbours in Heart, Friendship in Art’ Brunei-Sarawak Joint Art Exhibition held at the Borneo Cultures Museum today.
Abdul Karim also lauded the current initiative involving artists from Sarawak and Brunei, expressing hope that such collaborations would not be a one-off event, and suggested that they be held alternately in Kuching, Miri and Brunei.
“Personally, I feel the importance of all these relationships, the collaboration between neighbours, and building up a better world and relationship, especially where Brunei is so close to us and they have been helping us a lot in terms of tourism.
“Apart from that, we must continue to strengthen ties with Kalimantan Barat.
“Now, if you look at the cars on the road, there are so many with Kalimantan Barat (KB) licence plates.
“Whenever they come here, they support our hospitality industry, our hotels and more.
“So, we must maintain a good relationship with all our neighbours,” he said.
On the exhibition, Abdul Karim said it holds great significance, not only in terms of artistic exchange, but also in advancing the broader objectives such as cultural diplomacy, sustainable tourism, and creative economic development.
“It is aligned with the Sarawak Government’s vision to position our state as the premier cultural destination, and to integrate art and culture into the core of our tourism offering,” he said.
He said the event marked an important step towards a larger aspiration, namely the future establishment of the Sarawak State Art Gallery.
“The state government has already identified a beautiful heritage building to be our art gallery. I think we have to push for it fast,” he said.
He also addressed suggestions to convert the iconic General Post Office building, but affirmed the state government’s preference for the identified building near the Central Police Station due to its strategic location.
“I know there are some who would love to get the General Post Office to be an art gallery.
“But I think, in the meantime, since the state has more or less allocated another building, we’ll take that.
“The new building is located right in front of the Central Police Station and I think it would be sufficient,” he said.
Abdul Karim said with the Borneo Cultures Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Sarawak Craft Centre, and the future art gallery all located within walking distance in the heart of Kuching, the city will become a vibrant cultural hub.
Earlier, the landmark exhibition brings together the creative voices of 64 artists from Sarawak and Brunei, showcasing 99 paintings that reflect identity, tradition and contemporary expression.
Held from June 20 to 26 at the Borneo Cultures Museum, it is organised by the Sarawak Artists Society with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Brunei Darussalam, Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Brunei (STATOB), and Sarawak Museum Department.
