KUCHING: Investing in local youth and nurturing their creative talents is vital in shaping Kuching’s future economy, says Datuk Wee Hong Seng.
The Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor said the creative industry has evolved beyond entertainment into a sector that generates employment, supports tourism, preserves cultural heritage, and creates opportunities for local talents to reach global audiences.
“Today, the creative industry is about opportunities. They create jobs, support tourism, preserve heritage and open doors for our young talents to shine, not only locally but internationally,” Wee said when officiating the Tajau Opening Ceremony in conjunction with the Harvest Fusion Festival (HFF) at the MBKS Community Hall parking lot on Friday night (May 22).
Wee said festivals such as HFF provide important platforms for young people to discover their talents, build confidence and express their creativity, noting that a single performance, artwork or opportunity could change a person’s future.
Expressing pride in the strong youth participation across music, visual arts, fashion, culinary arts and digital innovation, he described the festival as a reflection of the spirit of Keluarga Sarawak (Sarawak Family), where people from diverse backgrounds and cultures come together as one community.
He added that the city’s thriving cultural and creative scene complements Kuching’s status as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Creative City of Gastronomy.
At the same time, Wee stressed the importance of ensuring that public spaces and celebrations remain inclusive and representative of Sarawak’s multicultural society.
“As the mayor of this city, I don’t want a place that belongs to a certain race or only celebrates a certain occasion. I want it to be multicultural and multiracial,” he said.
He added that food, culture and friendship play an important role in fostering mutual understanding and maintaining the harmony for which Sarawak is known.
Wee also reminded the younger generation that culture should not be confined to books or museums but must be actively lived, shared and celebrated.
“Never underestimate your own talent. Your creativity is powerful. Your ideas matter to this city, and your culture matters to this city.
“Continue to dream big, continue to create and continue to make Kuching and Sarawak proud,” he said.
Running from May 22 to 31 at the MBKS Community Hall outdoor parking area, the free-entry festival features nightly performances, fusion food experiences and cultural showcases.
The festival will conclude with the symbolic Tajau Closing and Sealing Ceremony, during which a new tajau (earthen jar) of preserved tuak will be sealed and kept for reopening at next year’s festival, followed by an inclusive Gawai countdown celebration on May 31.
A key highlight is the continuation of the community-driven ‘Udah Makai Buai’ cleanliness campaign, which encourages visitors to share responsibility for keeping the festival grounds clean.
