KUCHING: The Kuching South City Council (MBKS) is strengthening its global collaborations through its joint gastronomy project initiative with Madinah, another UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
MBKS mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said the project includes a chef exchange programme and the development of a joint publication, a book that will document and celebrate the cross-cultural culinary journey between Kuching and Madinah.
“Today, we are honoured Majid Almuhanna from the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission, together with his delegation, who are here to further discuss and advance this important collaboration.
“This initiative reflects how gastronomy can go beyond borders, serving as a bridge between cultures, connecting civilizations, and strengthening friendships between cities and nations,” he told a press conference on the 3rd Annual Assembly of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network of Gastronomy at Baitulmakmur II Building here today (Jan 27).
Wee described Kuching’s selection as host city as a proud milestone, saying it carried both honour and responsibility.
“It is not just an honour, but also a responsibility to represent Sarawak and Malaysia on the global culinary stage with excellence, authenticity, and confidence.
“I am also proud to share that Kuching has now been entrusted with the role of Regional Assistant in charge of Asia and Oceania for the UNESCO Creative Cities Network of Gastronomy.
“This appointment reflects the trust placed in Kuching’s leadership and commitment, and it further strengthens our role in supporting, coordinating, and connecting cities within this region on matters of gastronomy, creativity, and sustainable development,” said Wee.
Meanwhile, Majid said he discovered many shared values and cultural connections between Kuching and Madinah, which formed the basis of the collaboration.
“Our collaboration with Kuching was even mentioned in the file submitted to UNESCO during the forum in Madinah. Two years ago, when I met with the mayor, we discussed the need for strong partners among cities already recognised under UNESCO’s gastronomy network, and Kuching was a natural choice,” he said.
He said the collaboration would focus on two main components, the first being a jointly written book involving writers from both cities.
“The book will highlight the uniqueness of both cities from a gastronomic perspective, identify common dishes, and most importantly, reflect shared values. One of the key themes is the social practice of food — food as something prepared communally and shared socially,” he said.
Majid noted that in both cities, food serves as an expression of human creativity and celebration, marking life events such as births, weddings and even funerals, while showcasing innovation through ingredients, techniques and flavours.
The second component involves a chef exchange programme, under which six chefs from Kuching will visit Madinah after Ramadan to learn about local dishes and culinary techniques.
In return, six chefs from Madinah will visit Kuching during the UCCN Annual Assembly from Aug 4 to 7, 2026, where they will be exposed to local cuisines and culinary traditions.
Majid said the outcomes of the chef exchange would be announced during the annual assembly, reflecting the UNESCO spirit of collaboration, knowledge-sharing and the strengthening of global networks.
“We are very excited about this collaboration. Kuching has been amazing, and we truly feel at home here. We look forward to more meaningful cooperation between the two cities,” he said.
