By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Aug 4: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng has proposed regular meetings among UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy in Asia to strengthen ties, promote culinary heritage and foster collaborative programmes that benefit member cities.
He said closer cooperation among the cities would help showcase the richness and diversity of Asian gastronomy while encouraging more visitors to experience each city’s unique food traditions and cultural identity.
Wee made the proposal while welcoming delegates from China’s Quanzhou, Chaozhou, Chengdu, Macau, Eastern Guangdong and Iloilo, Philippines, who are participating in the 3rd Annual Meeting of the UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy in Kuching.
“We are honoured to have our friends here. Thank you for accepting our invitation and for bringing your chefs, culinary traditions and unique food culture to Kuching. Your participation has made this pavilion a truly international celebration of gastronomy,” he said during a visit by delegates to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) Gastronomy Pavilion at the MBKS Jubilee Ground vicinity in conjunction with the Kuching Food Festival 2026 today.
Describing food as more than just sustenance, Wee said it reflects a community’s history, culture and identity.
“Although we come from different countries and cultures, our shared passion for gastronomy has brought us together as one family,” he said.
He expressed confidence that stronger collaboration among Asian Creative Cities of Gastronomy would create greater opportunities for the exchange of ideas, preservation of culinary heritage and development of programmes that benefit all participating cities.
“Together, we can showcase the richness and diversity of Asian gastronomy to the world and inspire more people to visit our cities, experience our cultures and appreciate our traditions,” he added.
Wee also thanked all participating cities for their friendship, support and commitment in ensuring the success of the UCCN Gastronomy Pavilion.
Also accompanying the delegates was the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching, Xing Weiping. — DayakDaily
