KUCHING: Miss Sarawak Tourism 2026 could serve as a platform to showcase the state’s 34 officially gazetted ethnic groups to both locals and international visitors.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan said Sarawak’s ethnic and cultural diversity, along with its arts and traditions, remained one of the state’s most valuable tourism assets and needed to be preserved and promoted.
“It’s important, especially for the younger generation, that they know about the ethnic groups we have in Sarawak — not just the big names like Malay, Chinese, Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu,” he said at the launch of Miss Sarawak Tourism 2026 here Monday.
Snowdan noted that the Orang Ulu itself comprised many sub-ethnic groups, and that some communities such as the Kiput, Saban, Lahanan and Tring were smaller in number but equally part of Sarawak’s identity.
He said the state’s 34 dialects, traditional cuisines, costumes and dances reflected this diversity, and called on the 17 local finalists to first understand Sarawak’s culture, heritage and communities before representing the state abroad.
“A tourism ambassador needs knowledge, good communication and pride in the place they represent,” he said, adding that finalists would carry Sarawak’s stories, not just its image, wherever they go.
Snowdan said promoting this diversity required cooperation between the government, tourism industry, local communities, creative players, media and the younger generation.
“Better tourism is tourism that gives the community the chance to take part,” he said.
He hoped Miss Sarawak Tourism would continue to grow as a platform that elevates culture and talent, introduces destinations and empowers Sarawak’s younger generation.
