By Nigel Edgar
KUCHING, March 10: Sarawak, with its ambience and culture, has the potential to produce high fashion that is of international standard.
But for that to materialise, the state government would have to upgrade and improve existing infrastructure, including its digital economy, to be able to promote and market its unique high fashion globally.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said in the next 10 years when Sarawak, particularly Kuching City, upgrades and improves its infrastructure, Sarawak high fashion would be able to flourish.
He highlighted that the government was in the midst of upgrading the area from Kuching Waterfront to Kuching Isthmus in the next 10 years.
“That is our plan, and definitely with the completion of this plan, things related to fashion will also flourish,” he said at Alta Moda Sarawak 2019 Gala Night Finale at the Old DUN Building here yesterday (March 9).
Abang Johari told those present that after seeing some exhibits and meeting fashion designers earlier, he was impressed with the standard of their creations.
“I noticed that they are of high quality, of international standard. And, therefore, Kuching City now is of international standard, too.”
Abang Johari also told local fashion designers to tap their full potential through e-commerce, in line with the state government’s digital economy agenda.
“Of course, we will boost the digital infrastructure here with the hope that we will be able to have our own applications to promote e-commerce.
“And, therefore, the production can be in Sarawak, the designs are indigenous, and, of course, it is our intention to market it globally.”
Abang Johari noted that most of the models taking to the catwalk at Alta Moda Sarawak 2019 are Sarawakians.
“I was informed by (organising chairwoman) Datin Esther Mujan Balan that most of the models are Sarawakians. I must congratulate them because some of them have obtained international awards,” he said.— DayakDaily
