KOTA BHARU: Getting recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy is only the beginning, said Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng.
The responsibility goes beyond the award, he said, pointing out that it is about empowering local communities, preserving heritage recipes, strengthening local food supply chains, and ensuring no one is left behind.
He gave these insights while sharing Kuching’s experience at the Festival Cita Rasa Warisan di Pantai Timur, where he took part in session titled: The Road to UNESCO, Kota Bharu as a Creative City of Gastronomy.
Representing Kuching as Malaysia’s first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, a title it earned in 2021, he spoke about Kuching’s transformative journey in embedding culture, heritage, and gastronomy into the city’s urban development, tourism growth, and creative economy strategies.
He said that Kuching’s recognition was thus just the beginning of a long-term responsibility.
He also highlighted Kuching’s alignment with global cultural agendas such as the Braga Manifesto and Mondiacult 2025, while detailing a four-year action plan that engaged hawkers, youth, artisans, and tourism operators.
“This comprehensive strategy has included integrating gastronomy branding into Visit Malaysia campaigns and organising cross-border culinary exchanges that positioned Kuching as a hub for cultural diplomacy and sustainable tourism,” he said.
These initiatives have attracted over one million visitors annually during food festivals, while generating significant economic growth for local communities.
Youth engagement was another crucial element of Kuching’s strategy, with programmes aimed at training young entrepreneurs in digital marketing, food safety, and the documentation of heritage recipes.
He said that these efforts were essential to preserving traditional cuisines for future generations.
“This model of inclusivity, sustainability, and community empowerment offers valuable lessons for Kota Bharu and other Malaysian cities aspiring to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network,” he added.
Kota Bharu’s ambition to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network represents a great opportunity for Malaysia to showcase its diverse culinary heritage on a global stage, he said.
Wee also announced Kuching’s bid to host the UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy Conference in 2026.
