Tourism, Culture and Arts Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (centre) and Asean socio-cultural ministers posing in an Asean handshake at the welcome dinner for the 33rd Asean Socio-Cultural Community council meeting in Kuching. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
KUCHING: Sarawak's multicultural harmony is a reflection of the broader unity found within the Asean region, according to Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
He noted that Asean is home to over 680 million people from diverse races, languages, faiths, and traditions, united by shared common goals despite their differences.
"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 a successful model of unity in diversity," Tiong said at the welcoming dinner of the 33rd Asean Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) council meeting on Wednesday (April 23).
Tiong explained that Sarawak's unity is encapsulated in the Iban phrase "Segulai Sejalai," meaning together in unity regardless of background, race, or religion.
"In Sarawak, this spirit is not just a slogan. It lives in our community, be it Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Gawai, Deepavali, Christmas and our multi-religious celebrations that see communities come together as one, no matter their background," he said.
He also highlighted the diverse cultures of Sarawak's 34 ethnic groups, making the state a rich destination to discover.
"The rituals, music, crafts, and oral histories of the various communities are part of Sarawak's living heritage. After this meeting, I hope you will have the chance to further explore this beautiful state," he added.
The ASCC council meeting is a scheduled ministerial-level meeting organised twice a year to discuss key socio-cultural issues in the Asean region. Supported by Senior Officials Committee for the ASCC (SOCA) meetings, ASCC advances Asean's socio-cultural agenda through regional projects, cultural exchange, and partnerships with international organisations.
The 38th SOCA meeting and 33rd ASCC meeting are taking place here from April 22 to 26.
