KUCHING: Photographs should become more than just a promotional tool for tourism, serving instead as a bridge that connects people, cultures and destinations while contributing to responsible tourism and sustainable economic development, said Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
He said every photograph of Sarawak shared with the world has the potential to inspire travel, strengthen the state’s destination brand, support local businesses, and encourage a deeper appreciation of its culture, environment and heritage.
“Let us work together to ensure that photographs become more than just a promotional tool. Let them become a bridge connecting people, connecting cultures, and connecting destinations while contributing to responsible tourism and sustainable economic development,” 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 photographers and photographic associations can play an important role as partners in tourism development by presenting Sarawak to the world through images that are attractive, authentic and respectful.
According to him, powerful tourism photography should go beyond showcasing beautiful scenery and instead communicate the character of a destination, helping audiences understand the people, stories, values and experiences behind every image.
He added that professional photographers can also support community-based tourism, particularly in remote areas that receive little visitor attention, by documenting local cultures, handicrafts, traditional food, festivals and rural lifestyles.
“Such exposure can help small tourism operators and local entrepreneurs reach wider audiences. When more visitors travel to these communities, the economic benefits can extend to homestay operators, guides, transport providers, artisans, food producers and other small businesses,” he said.
At the same time, Abdul Karim stressed the importance of practising responsible photography, saying cultures and communities should always be portrayed with dignity, while natural environments must be photographed without causing disturbance or damage.
Abdul Karim noted that the photography industry is undergoing rapid transformation through the adoption of artificial intelligence, drone technology, mobile content, virtual experiences, and social media platforms.
“These technologies offer exciting opportunities, but they also raise important questions relating to copyright, authenticity and professional standards,” he said.
The event brought together more than 120 photography professionals, association leaders and industry practitioners from China, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Singapore and Malaysia, underscoring the growing significance of photography as a driver of the creative economy.
Beyond its contribution to the arts, photography continues to play an important role in tourism promotion, cultural preservation, media development, and commercial activities, while helping to document and safeguard heritage for future generations.
The programme included the UAPPA Annual General Meeting, the Federation of Commercial Photographic Societies Malaysia Executive Meeting, and a full-day regional photography workshop.
Throughout the sessions, participants exchanged views on emerging technologies, evolving industry trends, professional standards, and best practices.
The gathering also provided a platform for networking, knowledge-sharing and exploring future collaborations aimed at strengthening the regional photography industry.
