KUCHING: As ASEAN continues to champion regional harmony, Sarawak is emerging as a shining example of its core ideals, offering a vibrant, living showcase of cultural diversity and togetherness.
Welcoming the ASEAN delegates in his home state, Federal Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, said their attendance reaffirms their deep relationship that goes beyond agreements and formalities.
“ASEAN encompasses a region that is among the most diverse, yet we remain amongst the most united.
“In the same spirit, Sarawak is well-known as one of the successful models of ‘Unity in Diversity’.
“There is an Iban phrase ‘Segulai Sejalai’, which means together in unity; people regardless of background, race and religion can enjoy progress and prosperity of this blessed land.
“In Sarawak, this spirit is not just a slogan – it lives in our community, be it Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Gawai, Deepavali, Christmas, in our multi-religious celebrations, that see communities come together as one, no matter their background,” he said.
He said this when officiating the 33rd ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council Meeting and Related Meeting Welcoming Dinner at Imperial Hotel Kuching here last night.
While pointing out that Kuching is Malaysia’s first UNESCO’s Creative City of Gastronomy, he said that the dinner event featured some of Sarawak’s most beloved dishes, including laksa Sarawak, mee kolok, umai and ayam pansuh.
Furthermore, as Sarawak is also well-known for its diverse cultures and 34 ethnic groups, Tiong said that these make Sarawak a rich discovery destination.
“From the traditional tattoo art of the Iban warriors to the intricate beadwork of the Orang Ulu, each culture tells stories without words, every ethnic group contributes to a cultural ecosystem that is vibrant, sacred and alive.
“We have the Ibans, Bidayuh, Malays, Chinese, Melanau, Kayan, Lun Bawang, Penan, each with rituals, music, crafts and oral histories that are part of our living heritage.
“After this meeting I hope you will have the chance to further explore this beautiful State,” he said.
He also shared that the delegates will also have the chance to immerse themselves further with cultural tours to the Annah Rais Heritage Village and the Sarawak Cultural Village on April 25.
“Therefore, I wish you all good health, and may this evening leave you inspired by the stories of Sarawak,” he concluded.
For the record, the 33rd ASSC Council Meeting and Related Meeting this time around is taking place from April 22 to 26 in Kuching.
It is attended by representatives from 11 ASEAN countries, namely Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Timor-Leste.
