KUCHING: The Kuching South City Council (MBKS) has thrown its support behind Project Shori, a six-day community event centred on Trading Card Games, creative arts and independent brands.
The event is set to take place from Jun 16 to 21 at Dewan Masyarakat, Jalan Padungan.
Kuching South Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng, speaking at a press conference today (Jun 15), said the council endorsed the event because it aligned with MBKS’s commitment to building a vibrant, inclusive and people-centred city.
“Project Shori is much more than a Trading Card Game event. It is a community platform that brings together people from different backgrounds and interests,” he said.
The mayor noted that Trading Card Games, collectibles and creative communities had grown rapidly among the younger generation in recent years, yet opportunities for them to showcase their work and connect with wider audiences remained limited.
MBKS, he said, was willing to step in and provide that platform.
Wee also highlighted the event’s role in encouraging face-to-face interaction among youth at a time when screen time dominates daily life, saying such experiences built confidence, teamwork and lasting friendships.
“In today’s digital age, many young people spend a significant amount of their time on mobile devices, social media and online entertainment.
However, face-to-face interaction remains essential in building communication skills, confidence, teamwork and lasting friendships,” he said.
Through tournaments, creative showcases and community activities, he said young people would be encouraged to step away from their screens, meet new people and connect with others who shared similar interests.
The mayor also pointed to the economic dimension of the event, noting that it would create opportunities for small businesses, local food vendors, creators and independent brands to showcase their products and services.
Reflecting on the broader significance of such events, Wee said a successful city was not measured by infrastructure alone.
“A successful city is also defined by the strength of its communities, the creativity of its people and the opportunities available for future generations,” he said.
He added that Project Shori reflected Kuching’s evolving cultural identity — one that extended beyond its heritage, food culture and traditional festivals to embrace creative industries and pop culture driven by the younger generation.
“No one expected Pokémon to come back the way it did. These are the things that parents and leaders must realise — what modern kids want. You have to be a step ahead of them,” he said.
Datuk Wee also encouraged parents to attend alongside their children, saying events like Project Shori offered healthy hobbies and a meaningful way for youth to decompress after the pressures of school and daily life.
To sweeten the occasion, visitors can look forward to a variety of competitions, community activities and a lucky draw with a top cash prize of RM888.
Participants are encouraged to register their participation through the organiser’s website to be eligible for the draw.
