KUCHING: The Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts is prepared to collaborate with photography associations to help reduce the cost of photography expeditions, particularly to remote tourism destinations that may be too expensive for photographers to visit on their own.
Its Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the ministry is open to supporting group photography programmes and initiatives that can simultaneously promote Sarawak’s tourism products while nurturing professional photographic talent.
“We are always ready to collaborate with the associations if they want to organise trips to places that might be a bit costly for photographers to go to on their own. They can be sent in a group, and that is where the ministry can help reduce the cost,” he said.
He said this in his speech during the Regional Photographic Workshop 2026 held in conjunction with the 14th United Asia Professional Photography Association Annual General Meeting & Federation of Commercial Photographic Societies Malaysia Executive Meeting here today.
Abdul Karim said such collaborations could include photography excursions to destinations such as Niah and Mulu, where participants could take part in friendly competitions to produce the best images from the locations visited.
“When you go to a certain place, for example Niah National Park or Mulu National Park, a group of photographers can be sent and the photographs taken can be turned into a competition among yourselves to see who can produce the best images.
“This will also encourage more people to join and become professional photographers,” he added.
He said photography associations such as the United Professional Photography Association (UAPPA) and the Federation of Commercial Photographic Society Malaysia play an important role in guiding photographers.
“Through training, mentorship, exhibitions, competitions and regional exchanges, you can strengthen professional standards and prepare photographers to compete in a rapidly changing creative economy.
“Therefore, I encourage the photographic associations represented here to explore closer cooperation with Sarawak’s tourism and creative sectors,” he added.
“This could include destination photography programmes, international exhibitions, photography trails, youth training, cultural documentation and collaborative campaigns promoting responsible tourism.”
