KUALA LUMPUR: Sarawak’s Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, wrapped up a two-day benchmarking tour of three of Malaysia’s leading performing arts venues on Tuesday (Mar 3) as the state government steps up preparations for a proposed Sarawak Performing Arts Centre.
The visit took Snowdan and his delegation to the Performing Arts Centre of Kuala Lumpur and Istana Budaya on Monday (Mar 2), followed by Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS on Tuesday (Mar 3).
They are institutions widely regarded as cornerstones of the national performing arts scene.
The exercise was organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP) to gather first-hand insights into how established venues are governed and operated, with the aim of shaping a suitable model for the proposed centre back home.
“This initiative allows us to observe established institutions that have successfully positioned themselves as anchors of Malaysia’s performing arts landscape,” Snowdan said.
He added that the knowledge gained would help ensure the Sarawak centre is built on sustainable principles and best practices.
Beyond serving as a performance venue, he stressed that the proposed centre is envisioned as a broader economic catalyst and a key enabler for Sarawak’s creative industry and creative economy.
“The centre must be professionally managed, operationally efficient, and financially sustainable.
“At the same time, it must reflect Sarawak’s rich cultural identity and provide a platform for our local talents to thrive,” he said.
MTCP is expected to consolidate the findings from the benchmarking visit and present recommendations on the most suitable operational and governance model, with the goal of meeting world-class standards.
The initiative is part of the Sarawak State Government’s broader push to develop creative infrastructure as a driver of economic growth, talent development, and international cultural engagement.
