MIRI: The Sarawak government is urging local entrepreneurs to tap into an annual RM10 million facilitation fund aimed at strengthening the state’s creative industry, with a particular focus on traditional crafts and cultural tourism.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Deputy Minister, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, disclosed this at a dinner event celebrating Orang Ulu crafts here on Wednesday.
The event was hosted by ‘Kelab Wanita Berwawasan Baram’.
He said the fund, which is available through the Ministry, is intended to support workshops, training and entrepreneurial projects rooted in Sarawak’s indigenous culture.
Grants ranging from RM10,000 to RM30,000 will be available, depending on project scope and cost.
“We want to empower communities to monetise their heritage, whether through craft-making workshops or cultural products that reflect our identity,” said Snowdan.
The funding initiative comes amid a broader push to enhance cultural tourism in Sarawak, with the state aiming to attract five million visitors from neighbouring Brunei this year, up from four million in 2024.
In a bid to further boost visibility for Sarawakian artisans, Snowdan pledged RM20,000 of his own funds to ‘Kelab Wanita Berwawasan Baram’.
He called on the Sarawak Craft Council to develop a comprehensive digital directory of local artists.
The directory would include QR codes linking to individual profiles or product pages.
“There are more than 2,000 artists in the state, but many remain undocumented,” he said.
“A digital directory would make it easier for tourists and buyers to discover their work.”
He also proposed exploring commercial partnerships, including selling Sarawakian crafts onboard local carrier AirBorneo’s flights, a move he said could bring indigenous products to international tourists in-flight.
Additionally, he floated the idea of incorporating traditional carvings into cabin crew uniforms as a nod to Sarawak’s cultural heritage.
The Sarawak Craft Council has been tasked with identifying viable business strategies to promote traditional crafts more effectively, both locally and abroad.
Also present at the event were patron of ‘Kelab Wanita Berwawasan Baram’, Datuk Dennis Ngau, Miri Mayor, Adam Yii Siew Sang, and event organising chairlady, Mujan Lah.
