By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, Jan 27: Kuching will host the Third Annual Assembly of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) of Gastronomy from Aug 4 to 7, placing Sarawak in the international culinary spotlight.
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the selection is a strong endorsement of Kuching’s growing international standing in gastronomy and cultural tourism.
“I wish to congratulate all parties here for successfully bringing the third annual assembly of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network of Gastronomy to Kuching.
“Even though we are still considered a relatively young gastronomy city on the global stage, we have managed to host this prestigious assembly right here in Kuching.
“This is more than just an international conference. It is a celebration that recognises our heritage and places us on the global culinary map,” he said at a press conference on the Annual Assembly of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network of Gastronomy 2026 held at Baitul Makmur II in Petra Jaya here today.
Kuching was recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2021, becoming the first city in Malaysia to receive the title.
He said the recognition celebrates Sarawak’s chefs, farmers, producers and communities for safeguarding its culinary heritage, as part of the UNESCO Gastronomy Network spanning 63 cities in 35 countries.
Karim also cited Sarawak’s ability to live harmoniously despite religious and cultural differences as something to be proud of.
“We have 34 different ethnicities. It is a melting pot of cultures. It is also a melting pot of dishes, menus and culinary traditions,” he said.
He also noted that the programme includes a charity dinner involving 10 international chefs and 10 Sarawakian chefs, as well as the UCCN Pavilion showcasing cuisines from 20 UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy.
He said the timing of the assembly is ideal as it coincides with the Kuching Food and Cultural Festival, an iconic event that draws over a million visitors annually.
“This is just the perfect time for the festival. The assembly will be a powerful platform for knowledge-sharing, cultural and culinary exchange, collaboration between cities, and meaningful discussions on food, heritage, tourism, education, innovation and sustainable food systems.
“More importantly, it positions Sarawak as a leading creative city in Southeast Asia, strengthening our international profile, boosting our cultural tourism and opening new pathways to long-term global partnerships,” he added.
Abdul Karim said Kuching should be showcased as a place where tradition and innovation come together through gastronomy.
At the same time, he welcomed the Research and Preservation Manager of the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission, Majid Almuhanna, and his delegation to Sarawak, expressing hope for stronger collaboration.
Abdul Karim said the UCCN Pavilion will be relocated to the Golden Triangle area, near hotels and within walking distance for delegates.
Also present were MTCP deputy minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan and Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng. — DayakDaily
