KUCHING: Sarawak is stepping up efforts to secure Geographical Indication (GI) recognition for its heritage products as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the state’s creative industry and enhance the commercial value of cultural assets.
Among the products identified for GI recognition are Baju Kuas Iban Balau Sri Aman, with Buriek Kapit and Baju Gagong Batang Rajang also being proposed for consideration in the near future.
The initiative is being coordinated through a more structured and collaborative framework via the Sarawak Creative Industry Coordination Committee (SCICC) Meeting No. 1/2026, which brought together government agencies, industry players, academia and stakeholders.
Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan said SCICC plays a key role in aligning policies and initiatives to ensure more effective development of the creative sector.
He said the creative industry has emerged as an important economic sector, contributing to job creation, innovation, cultural identity and tourism development.
“No single agency or organisation can develop the creative industry alone. Through SCICC, we will strengthen consultation, coordination and collaboration to translate creativity into enterprise, culture into economic value, and heritage into sustainable development,” he said while chairing the meeting held here on Tuesday (June 30).
Snowdan said SCICC also serves as a strategic advisory platform to the ministry in proposing development and promotional initiatives for the sector.
To support its implementation, four dedicated task groups have been established covering Creative Arts, Arts, Culture and Heritage, Media Production and Information Technology, and Design, focusing on talent development, market access, innovation, commercialisation and digital transformation.
He said the ministry is also strengthening the ecosystem through capacity-building initiatives and expanded market access for creative industry players.
Among them is the Heritage and Arts Facilitation Fund, which supports traditional craft workshops, performing arts training, culinary programmes, heritage documentation, exhibitions and publications to enhance the capabilities of artists, artisans and cultural practitioners.
The ministry’s Event Grant continues to support festivals and programmes that enable creative entrepreneurs and artisans to promote and commercialise their products and services.
Events such as the Nyamai Sarawak Gastronomy Festival and the TAPAS International Asia Culinary Competition were highlighted as platforms that promote Sarawak’s gastronomic heritage while creating networking opportunities, expanding market access and generating income for local entrepreneurs.
Snowdan also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to safeguarding Sarawak’s creative assets through Intellectual Property (IP) registration alongside GI protection efforts.
To date, 41 iconic Sarawak events have been registered under copyright protection as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the state’s creative industry framework.
