KUCHING: The proposed first-ever International South Indian Conference reflects Sarawak’s strong commitment to inclusivity, ensuring minority groups have space and voice in the state’s development.
Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said that plans are underway for Sarawak to host the convention next year, an event expected to serve as a significant platform bringing together South Indian women from around the world.
“The convention is still at the proposal stage. Many preparations need to be made first, including coordination and involvement from multiple parties, before we can confirm whether it can be realised,” she said.
She said this when met by reporters during the Sejambak Kasih Deepavali 2025 at the Indian Association Kuching (IAK) Multipurpose Hall here on Wednesday.
She added that if the convention materialises, it will be the first of its kind in Sarawak and organised by the Sarawak Indian Women Association (SIWA), with her serving as the association’s patron and advisor.
“If it happens, this will be SIWA’s first-ever convention. It’s a big and challenging undertaking because SIWA is a small organisation representing a minority group but one with a big heart,” she added.
Fatimah said that although the Indian community in Sarawak is small, they continue to be given space and opportunities to showcase their abilities and play an important role in society.
“This proves that even as a minority, Indian women have the will and opportunity to organise something meaningful and large-scale.
“In Sarawak, we emphasise inclusivity, every group has a place and a voice,” she said.
She expressed hope that the proposal could be realised with the support of all parties, showcasing the capability of Sarawakian Indian women to shine on the international stage.
“Let us all pray that this proposal becomes a reality,” she said.
Earlier, a total of 64 monthly welfare assistance recipients received festive contributions in conjunction with Deepavali 2025 under the Kuching Division Social Welfare Department’s Sejambak Kasih programme.
Each recipient received RM100 in cash from the Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKMS) and a food hamper worth RM250 sponsored by PETRONAS.
A symbolic handover ceremony took place during the event, witnessed by Fatimah.
During the ceremony, PETRONAS Sarawak regional office general manager Norazibah Md Rabu also presented the contributions to Sarawak Social Welfare Department director Semawi Mohamad.
This programme was spearheaded by PETRONAS’ social impact arm Yayasan PETRONAS and organised in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department (JKM) Kuching division to affirm PETRONAS’ commitment to assist the less privileged members of the society.
This marks the fourth year of collaboration between the Kuching Division Social Welfare Department (PKMB) and PETRONAS Sarawak in extending goodwill to Indian welfare aid recipients of the Hindu faith through the distribution of food hampers worth RM250 each, amounting to a total value of RM16,250.
