KUCHING: A growing interest in trading card games, pop culture and creative hobbies among young people is opening up new opportunities for community-building and entrepreneurship, according to Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng.
Speaking to reporters after officiating Project Shori at Dewan Masyarakat Kuching today (June 17), Wee said local authorities must look beyond infrastructure development and pay attention to emerging interests among younger generations.
According to Wee, Project Shori reflects MBKS’ efforts to create platforms that allow young people to connect, express their creativity and build communities around shared interests.
“We must also learn and open up to whatever the youth are moving towards. As a city council, we try to create a platform for them to display their talents and bring people together,” he said.
The event combines trading card game tournaments, creative showcases, food vendors and independent brands, attracting hobbyists and entrepreneurs under one roof.
Wee said such initiatives provide an alternative to excessive screen time by encouraging face-to-face interaction, communication and community engagement.
“These are healthy hobbies. We want to encourage young people to come together, connect with one another and explore new interests,” he said.
He added that MBKS was increasingly supporting youth-oriented programmes, including cosplay and K-pop related activities, as part of efforts to keep pace with evolving trends and create inclusive spaces for different communities.
Meanwhile, Project Shori organiser, Alex Sim, said the event features daily tournaments for popular trading card games including Pokémon, One Piece and Disney Lorcana.
He said the programme also includes dedicated trade nights during the final two days, allowing collectors to exchange cards, interact with fellow enthusiasts and expand their collections.
“We are trying to build the community by bringing together both the trading card game community and the food community.
“People who come for the food may discover a new hobby, while hobbyists may discover new local food offerings,” he said.
Wee also noted that events such as Project Shori contribute to the local economy by giving small businesses, food vendors and independent creators opportunities to test the market and grow their brands.
Drawing parallels with the annual Kuching Festival Food Fair, he said community events often serve as valuable stepping stones for aspiring entrepreneurs before they establish permanent businesses.
