By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 16: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng has invited Toyota City to explore collaboration in gastronomy and cultural promotion, showcasing Kuching’s recognition as a Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy.
The invitation came during a courtesy visit to the Toyota City Mayor Toshihiko Ota on the sidelines of the 2025 International Mayors Forum in Aichi Prefecture, Japan.
Accompanied by senior MBKS officials, Wee reaffirmed the long-standing friendship between the two cities, which began in 2014 when the Asuke Performing Team captivated audiences at the Kuching Festival with their traditional Japanese drum (taiko) performances.
According to a statement today, both Mayors explored opportunities for cooperation in sustainable city development, youth exchanges, and cultural initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Discussions also covered a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Friendship Cities to formalise long-term collaboration on SDG projects, youth programmes, and cultural exchange. Plans for a student exchange programme were highlighted as a way to strengthen cross-cultural understanding among the youth.
Wee also shared MBKS initiatives such as Age-Friendly and Child-Friendly City programmes, environmental sustainability projects, and smart infrastructure developments, emphasising Kuching’s commitment to people-centred and sustainable growth.
The visit further strengthened the partnership between Kuching South and Toyota City, paving the way for future collaboration in gastronomy, culture, sustainability, and community development. — DayakDaily
