Abdul Karim (centre) with (from left) Sharzede, Gerald, Wan, Ngau, Hii and Chew at the campaign launch.
Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) is encouraging Singaporeans to experience the state’s diverse food culture with its latest campaign.
The “Sarawak Look See Chiak Makan” campaign was launched at the Sands Expo & Convention in Singapore.
The campaign, ongoing until Dec 15, is a collaborative effort between STB and tour operators to build Singaporeans’ awareness of Sarawak’s tourism products, destinations and food culture.
Speaking at the launch, Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said people were currently making up for lost time and planning holidays.
“The campaign comes in time to attract Singaporeans, whom we know have a soft spot for gastronomic delights and are looking for a quick but memorable getaway.
“We hope that they will enjoy exploring Kuching, which is Malaysia’s first Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy, as well as other destinations in Sarawak like Miri,” he said.
Under the campaign, tour operators will include eateries selling Sarawak laksa or kolok mee in their tour packages for Singaporeans, in addition to taking travellers from the island republic to local restaurants or hawker stalls.
Abdul Karim also noted that Singapore ranked third on Sarawak’s tourist arrival list.
Since the resumption of direct flights between Singapore and Sarawak in February, some 16,819 Singaporeans visited the state between March and September.
An agreement was also signed between STB, Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (Statos) and Singapore Scout Association (SSA) recognising SSA as a Sarawak ambassador and partner in creating programmes to educate Singaporeans on the state’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
Also present at the event were STB chief executive officer Sharzede Datu Salleh Askor, its chairman Dennis Ngau, Sarawak Deputy Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development Minister I Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, SSA vice-president Dr William Wan, Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Ministry permanent secretary Hii Chang Kee and Statos chief executive officer Chew Chang Guan.
