KUCHING: The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) Gastronomy Pavilion 2026 has received a RM100,000 boost with the sponsorship of 144 electrical appliances from MIDEA.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said the contribution reflected growing private sector support for Kuching’s efforts to strengthen its standing as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
“The electrical appliances will support participating chefs at the UCCN Gastronomy Pavilion by providing them with the necessary facilities to prepare and present authentic flavours from their cities to the people of Kuching,” he said during the handover ceremony at MBKS headquarters here today (Aug 2).
The sponsored appliances include portable air conditioners, chest freezers, microwave ovens, pressure cookers, induction cookers, blenders, electric kettles and electric fans.
“Once again, my sincere appreciation to MIDEA for believing in this initiative and for partnering with MBKS.
“Your support has contributed to making the UCCN Gastronomy Pavilion a success,” he said.
He added that MBKS plans to continue using the donated equipment for future culinary initiatives, including organising a Sarawak chefs’ competition.
The UCCN Gastronomy Pavilion, to be held from Aug 3 to 9 at the Kuching Festival Fair, forms part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network Annual Meeting – Creative Cities of Gastronomy.
“Visitors will have the opportunity to experience authentic dishes prepared by chefs from Chengdu and Quanzhou in China, Buraydah and Madinah in Saudi Arabia, Iloilo in the Philippines, Belo Horizonte in Brazil and Lucknow in India,” he said.
The event will also showcase Sarawak’s culinary heritage through a Tuak Buffet featuring nine local producers, providing a platform to promote indigenous culture and local products.
Wee, who is also Kuching Gastronomy Association President, said food serves as a bridge between communities by fostering friendship, cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
“So that is what we call the true spirit of Sarawak spirit and also the UNESCO Creative City Network,” he added.
