KUCHING, Dec 16: Kuching City proudly unveiled the new commemorative signage, celebrating its esteemed recognition as a World Crafts City, Unesco Creative City for Gastronomy, and Kuching City of Unity.
The illuminated signage, situated in Padungan opposite the White Cat statue, was officially unveiled by Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng on Dec 1.
Among those present during the lighting up ceremony were World Crafts Council Asia Pacific president Aziz Murtazaev, Asean Handicraft Promotion and Development Association (AHPADA) president Edric Ong, Society Atelier Sarawak president Melinda Omar, witnessed by dignitaries representing the Mayor of Linshu County, China and Mayor of Taraz, Kazakhstan and delegates of the Atelier and AHPADA Forum.
In a statement today, Wee emphasised that the purpose of the signage is to raise awareness among Kuching citizens regarding the city’s international acclaim and urging them to take pride in this accomplishment.
He expressed his aspirations and plans for a larger and more impressive archway at the Padungan roundabout to be built once the budget has been approved by the government.
Meanwhile, Aziz congratulated Wee and local organisations like Society Atelier Sarawak for achieving the prestigious title of World Crafts City conferred by the World Crafts Council in 2018.
He commended Kuching’s numerous developments, particularly its innovative initiatives in safeguarding and promoting diverse crafts within Kuching and beyond.
During the event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Kuching and Linshu County, China, marking a collaborative effort to promote and develop crafts.
Similar MoUs with Yogyakarta (Indonesia) and Taraz (Kazakhstan) are anticipated to be signed in the near future. — DayakDaily
