BY GILLIAN NESSLYN
KUCHING: The ‘Nyamai Sarawak Gastronomy Festival 2025’ is expected to draw around 20,000 visitors to the iconic Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) on July 26-27.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, said the festival, now entering its third year, is showing signs of moving towards sustainability, especially within the tourism industry.
“Then what we have to do is introduce more and more creativity where we can see the use of raw materials, like bamboo or other green materials,” she said during a press conference on the event at the Telang Usan Hotel here on Saturday.
“This will be another area where we can also involve young children, to help them appreciate what the environment is all about, how we should value it, and at the same time, it can be something meaningful for them in the future.”
She said this year’s edition will feature 200 vendors in seven categories, with various attractions such as traditional food demonstrations, arts and crafts workshops, family-friendly activities, sports and live music performances.
“The festival also receives support from Kuching City of Gastronomy and the UNESCO Creative Cities Network and will feature the Nyamai Awards that honour individuals and organisations pushing the boundaries of Sarawak’s food culture through creativity, sustainability and authenticity,” she added.
‘Nyamai 2025’ will also introduce exclusive collaborations with Damai Beach Resort, Damai Lagoon Resort and Permai Rainforest Resort, offering an exclusive two-days-one-night Nyamai Stay Package as well as festival access and parking for families, corporate groups and tourists.
The festival will also offer opportunities for local entrepreneurs, sponsors or competition participants to take part in the event.
Registration can be done via the official website www.nyamai.com.
“The entry for the public will remain free of charge. Visitors can claim their free entry passes by liking and following ‘Nyamai Sarawak’ on our official social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram,” said Nancy.
Additionally, the festival also unveiled its ‘Icon Design Competition’, where the winning design will be turned into a permanent sculpture at the Sarawak Cultural Village to symbolise the festival’s spirit, with a cash prize of RM5,000 awarded to the winner.
Nancy also hoped SEDC, the owner of SCV, will designate it as the permanent venue for the ‘Nyamai Sarawak Gastronomy Festival’.
“Together, we can build ‘Nyamai’ into an iconic annual event in Santubong constituency,” she said.
Those interested in learning more or registering for the event, vendor slots, sponsorship, or the design competition can visit www.nyamai.com or contact event manager, Penina Crystal Philip, at 017-2909496.
