KUCHING: The Sarawak Arts Council (MSS) is strengthening its role as a key driver of cultural diplomacy by bringing Sarawak’s rich arts and heritage onto the international stage while promoting its diverse ethnic identity to a global audience.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the council’s role extends beyond providing entertainment at official functions, highlighting its importance in uniting communities through the arts.
He said the council remains highly active, with involvement in programmes across the state on an almost daily basis, particularly in delivering opening performances that incorporate singing, dance and cultural elements.
“The MSS is not just about performances. Its role is to bring people together and ensure that arts and culture continue to thrive within society,” he said at the Sarawak Arts Council Appreciation Ceremony on Monday (Apr 6) as reported by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS).
At the same time, Abdul Karim said the council has expanded its reach internationally, serving as a platform to showcase Sarawak’s cultural heritage abroad.
In recent years, Sarawak arts groups have participated in programmes and performances in destinations such as Osaka, Mindanao, India, the Vatican, and the United Kingdom, with potential participation in Uzbekistan this year.
“This effort not only boosts the confidence of local arts practitioners, but also creates opportunities to introduce Sarawak’s cultural identity at the global level,” he said.
Abdul Karim pointed out that collaborations with Malaysian embassies and overseas representative offices have helped ease financial constraints, allowing broader participation in international cultural engagements.
He also stressed the importance of preserving the arts and cultural heritage of all ethnic groups in Sarawak, including smaller communities that are often underrepresented.
“Each ethnic group has its own unique identity in terms of dance, attire and traditions. These must be documented so they do not fade over time,” he said.
Abdul Karim linked these preservation efforts to the establishment of the Borneo Cultures Museum, which showcases the cultural diversity of Sarawak’s ethnic communities regardless of their population size.
In line with strengthening the state’s arts ecosystem, he said a performing arts centre is currently under development, while plans are also underway to build a new office for the MSS
At the ceremony, nine recipients of the Excellent Service Award (APC) for 2023 and 2024 were honoured in recognition of their contributions, alongside retirees who had served the agency.
Abdul Karim called on arts practitioners to continue contributing ideas and energy towards elevating Sarawak’s cultural arts.
“Art must continue to live and evolve. This is the foundation for positioning Sarawak as a powerhouse in the arts,” he said.
