Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg (centre) doing the traditional Asean handshake with sociocultural ministers from the region at the opening ceremony of the 33rd ASCC council meeting in Kuching. – ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE / The Star
KUCHING: Asean’s arts and cultural heritage serve as a catalyst for sustainable development alongside economic growth, says Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
Malaysia’s Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister said the sector has emerged as one of the most promising avenues for driving inclusive growth, creating jobs, empowering local communities and preserving rich traditions.
“From ancient crafts to contemporary art, from indigenous festivals to culinary legacies, our cultural assets are living expressions of our identity and shared history,” he said at the opening ceremony of the 33rd Asean Socio-Cultural Community council meeting here yesterday.
Tiong said the region could offer the world an Asean experience rooted in authenticity and unity in diversity.
To achieve this, he called on Asean member countries to invest in arts-based and culture-based tourism and collaborate in curating immersive experiences for visitors.
“Together, let us champion a tourism model that attracts visitors and uplifts the soul of our nations and sustains our arts and cultural legacies for generations to come,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg reiterated the state’s commitment to regional cooperation, particularly in renewable energy.
He said Sarawak’s energy capacity is targeted to reach 15GW by 2035, largely from hydroelectric and solar sources.
“Currently, we are supplying power to Indonesia and Sabah. Now, we are working with Brunei and Singapore to supply energy to them,” he said in his keynote address.
Abang Johari said Sarawak is also developing a hydrogen economy to support its renewable energy agenda.
“Our public transport system will use an autonomous rapid transit system fuelled by hydrogen,” he said.
“This is one of the areas that I believe Asean is looking into.”
