By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Feb 21: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg hopes to see the creative industry in Sarawak rise to a level where film lovers overseas would anticipate telemovies produced in the State.
He informed that based on an independent survey, the State’s very own television station, TVS, has garnered nine million viewers despite the State’s population of 2.8 million.
He also mentioned that the audience members comprised those from Peninsular Malaysia, Kalimantan, and other neighbouring countries watching via the Astro 122 channel.
“We already have a platform for us to produce telemovies, and if they have a certain standard, we may even have an exchange programme with other television stations overseas.
“(From here), we can boost the spirit of entrepreneurship and performing arts industry in the State,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED) Appreciation, Engagement, and Collaboration Nite 2022 programme held at Waterfront Hotel in Kuching tonight.
He also mentioned that the State government had approved an allocation to transform the old State Legislative Assembly (DUN) into a performing arts centre which will soon be tendered out by Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Additionally, he said the government is developing a sports village which was the brainchild of MYSED, also under the care of Abdul Karim.
He believed that Sarawak could also become a sports powerhouse and produce many international athletes just like New Zealand, a country with a small population but is also known as home to world-class athletes.
He further said the new portfolio put under MYSED, Entrepreneur Development, was important to produce entrepreneurs among the youth in line with the digitalisation era.
The same event witnessed Abang Johari presenting incentives to two athletes, Buda Anchah and Dr Malvern Abdullah, who have won medals at the international level.
He also launched the MYSED’s Calendar of Programme/Activities 2022 at the event.
Also present were Abdul Karim, MYSED Assistant Ministers Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu (Youth and Sports) and Dr Ripin Lamat (Entrepreneur Development), Creative Industry and Performing Arts Assistant Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan, and MYSED acting permanent secretary Nancy Jolhi. — DayakDaily
