By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 31: Kuching today unveiled Malaysia’s first street named after a South Korean city, Guro Street, marking a new milestone in the growing ties between Sarawak and South Korea.
Officiating at the launch, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the historic milestone reflects how ties between Sarawak and South Korea have evolved beyond friendship into growing economic cooperation, cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections.
“This is not just officially naming a street in Kuching South. It is not just recognising a friendship that has continued to grow in trust, commitment and support.
“It is also the first street ever named after another city in another country. South Korea is the first to have a street named after one of its cities in Kuching South,” he said.
Dr Sim said the naming of Guro Street also mirrors South Korea’s growing presence in Sarawak, where the State has attracted increasing Korean investments, businesses, students and professionals over the years.
He cited South Korean chemical manufacturer OCI as an example, noting that the company has invested more than USD2 billion in Sarawak since 2019 and established its headquarters in Kuching.
According to him, Guro Street will serve as a permanent reminder that although Kuching and Guro District are separated by geography, they are united by common aspirations and a shared commitment to work together.
“As Minister responsible for local government, I have always believed that cities today must look beyond their own borders. A successful city is not one that develops in isolation. It is one that actively learns from others, shares its own experiences and builds partnerships that create opportunities for its people.
“This is exactly what Kuching South has been doing,” he said.
Dr Sim said the partnership between Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and Guro District, which began in 2013, has grown far beyond ceremonial exchanges, bringing tangible benefits through knowledge sharing, cultural exchanges, youth development, tourism promotion, business networking and collaboration in urban management.
He noted that the relationship is reciprocal, with Guro District in Seoul already home to Kuching South-ro, while Guro Street now stands as the latest symbol of the enduring partnership between the two cities.
He described Guro, home to about 400,000 people, as one of South Korea’s digital and high-technology hubs, making it a natural partner for Sarawak as the State advances its Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 centred on digitalisation and the digital economy.
He added that South Korean interest in Sarawak continues to grow, particularly in renewable energy, the hydrogen economy, carbon capture and storage, as well as future gas developments in southern Sarawak.
Beyond business and investment, Dr Sim called for stronger youth and cultural exchanges between both sides, suggesting that winners of Sarawak’s K-pop competitions be invited to perform at festivals in Guro to foster closer ties between younger generations.
He also highlighted longstanding cooperation in emergency services, noting that the Seoul Metropolitan Fire Brigade had donated two fire engines to Kuching, while Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department officers have benefited from management and training programmes in Seoul.
Stressing that Guro Street represents more than a road name, Dr Sim said the initiative demonstrates how city-to-city diplomacy can strengthen bilateral relations.
“Never underestimate the naming of a street. It represents your national identity, your friendship and your culture,” he said.
He also urged MBKS to display the South Korean, Malaysian and Sarawak flags during future events at Guro Street, saying the street symbolises not only Guro District but also the enduring friendship between South Korea and Sarawak.
Also present at the launch were Guro District Mayor Jang Inhong, Guro District Council Chairman Kim Chulsoo, Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, Deputy Mayor Dato Zaiedi Suhaili and Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) chairman Abang Ismawi Abang Ali. — DayakDaily
