KUCHING: The Golden Triangle area in the city has been proposed as the venue for the UNESCO Creative Cities Network of Gastronomy Pavilion in conjunction with the 3rd Annual Assembly of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network of Gastronomy 2026 in August.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the location is more strategic as it is close to major hotels and within walking distance, making it easier for delegates and visitors to move around.
“Actually, a location had been identified earlier, but I requested that it be relocated to a site that is larger, more strategic and more visitor-friendly.
“I am more inclined for it to be held within the Golden Triangle area,” he said at a press conference on the assembly here Tuesday.
He said the choice of venue also coincides with food and cultural festivals organised by the Kuching South City Council (MBKS), providing international delegates with the opportunity to experience first-hand the uniqueness of local gastronomy and culture.
The 3rd Annual Assembly of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network of Gastronomy will be held in Kuching from Aug 4 to 7, and is jointly organised by MBKS and the Kuching Gastronomy Association (KGA), with the support of the Ministry.
Abdul Karim said the prestigious event is expected to bring together about 170 international delegates from 63 member cities of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network of Gastronomy across 35 countries, in addition to local and regional participants.
He said key programme highlights include the opening ceremony, official meetings of member cities, the “Plate for Purpose” charity dinner featuring collaborations between international and local chefs, as well as the UCCN Pavilion showcasing cuisines from 20 UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy.
“This assembly is not merely an international conference, but an important platform for knowledge sharing, cultural and culinary exchange, collaboration between cities as well as discussions on food heritage, innovation and sustainable food systems,” he said.
He added that hosting the event is also expected to have a positive impact on Sarawak’s tourism and hospitality industries, including the hotel sector, restaurants and the local craft industry.
“We hope that international events like this will continue to stimulate the tourism sector. Last year alone, the ministry supported 305 events across Sarawak, and monthly tourism receipts surpassed RM1 billion,” he said.
At the same time, Abdul Karim expressed hope that the private sector would play a more active role, particularly in increasing accommodation capacity, to cater to the anticipated rise in visitor arrivals to Sarawak in the future.
