BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The inaugural Sarawak–Brunei 2025 Cultural Flavours and Connections Programme held here serves as a platform to showcase the rich cultures of Sarawak and Brunei Darussalam.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said Sarawak and Brunei share a wealth of cultural heritage from food and clothing to the arts and family values.
He said the programme, organised by the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Brunei (STATOB), plays a vital role in promoting harmony and regional Bornean spirit.
“Culture unites people and transcends borders. In today’s challenging world, programmes like this are crucial in fostering harmony and regional unity in Borneo.
“We have many similarities worth celebrating. In terms of cuisine, we share traditional foods such as ambuyat, kelupis, nasi aruk, linut, umai, manok pansoh, and various traditional cakes.
“At this event, chefs from Sarawak are serving mi kolok, mi jawa, kampua, Sarawak laksa, Limbang cendol, Lawas sambal tahai, and many more for all to enjoy,” he said in his speech during the programme held at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium today (Aug 2).
The event was officiated by Minister at the Prime Minister’s Department of Brunei Darussalam Datuk Seri Setia Dr Awang Amin Liew Abdullah.
He expressed hope that the programme would strengthen cooperation between agencies and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) from both sides.
“SMEs play an important role in exploring new markets – whether it’s Sarawakian entrepreneurs expanding to Brunei, or vice versa – especially in the food and craft sectors,” he added.
A total of 20 exhibitors from Sarawak and 18 from Brunei Darussalam are participating in the programme, which is being held from Aug 2 to 3.
In addition to exhibitions of food, handicrafts, and local products, visitors are also treated to cultural performances representing the diverse ethnic groups of Sarawak and Brunei Darussalam.
