By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Jan 15: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng today announced two initiatives: “Two Ages, One Runway: A Generation Fashion Show” and the “My Grandparents, My Heart, My Heroes” Poster Design Competition.
The programmes are held in conjunction with MBKS’s status as a Candidate City under UNICEF’s Child Friendly Cities Initiative, which was announced in Dec 2025, making MBKS the first council in Borneo to receive this recognition.
Wee revealed that the fashion show competition, which has a limited slot of 35 pairs, will be held at Dewan Masyarakat MBKS on Feb 14, 2026, at 7.30pm, while the closing date for submissions for the poster design competition is Feb 6, 2026.
He said the council is proud to introduce the two initiatives as they reflect MBKS’s values of being a caring, inclusive, and forward-looking city for both young and senior citizens.
“These programmes are special because they place both children and senior citizens at the heart of our community. The council recognises children as our future and seniors as our foundation of wisdom, experience, and values.
“By bringing these two generations together, we are strengthening family bonds, encouraging mutual respect, and nurturing a more compassionate society,” he said during the press conference.
Wee added that MBKS has also been a proud member of the Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities since 2024, and these recognitions serve as a reminder of the council’s commitment to building a truly liveable city where children feel safe, heard, and empowered, while senior citizens feel respected, supported, and valued.
He noted that the initiatives also support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
According to Wee, the objective of the fashion show is to promote intergenerational harmony and strengthen family bonding.
Winners of the fashion show competition will receive RM1,000, with the first runner-up receiving RM700, the second runner-up RM500, and 10 consolation prize winners receiving RM200 each.
For the poster design competition, he said the objective is to allow children to express their emotions and appreciation through creativity, as art can serve as a bridge for communication between generations.
The winner will receive RM250, the first runner-up RM200, the second runner-up RM150, and 25 consolation prize winners RM50 each. All participants will also receive a certificate and a trophy.
“These two initiatives are not just events. They are about nurturing a culture where children grow up in an environment of love and respect, and where our seniors continue to feel relevant, appreciated, and empowered. This is how we build a strong, united, and caring community,” he said.
For enquiries regarding the competitions, the public may contact 012-600 4109 (Kembang Marliana), 014-304 8138 (Chieng Lung Sin), or 011-1988 5962 (Crystal Liew).
Also present at the press conference were MBKS deputy mayor Dato Zaiedi Suhali, chairman of the Ageing Committee councillor Judy Kho, and chairman of the Child Friendly Cities Initiative councillor Albert Tay. — DayakDaily
