By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, March 4: Sarawakians should take pride in their rich cultural heritage and actively showcase it to the world, said Sarawak Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP), Datuk Snowdan Lawan.
He encouraged Sarawakians with children studying or working overseas to bring along traditional attire such as the ‘Baju Burung’ or ‘Selampai’ for social gatherings at their universities or workplaces.
“This way, we make our State known to the world,” he said in a press release.
Snowdan made these remarks when officiating the Sri Aman Craft Carnival at the Sri Aman Waterfront in Sri Aman.
He further highlighted Sarawak’s reputation as a cultural melting pot, home to 34 diverse ethnic groups whose traditions, attire, crafts, and cuisine captivate visitors from around the world.
The carnival, jointly organised by the Sarawak Craft Council (SCC) and Majlis Daerah Sri Aman, attracted participants from Sri Aman, Betong, Lubok Antu, and Saratok.
A total of 32 booths were set up, displaying handcrafted products such as woven textiles, mats, baskets, ceramics, wooden crafts, traditional beads, and accessories.
To further support local artisans, Snowdan outlined two financial assistance programs—the Facilitation Fund and Event Fund—available through the ministry’s website.
He urged craft entrepreneurs to apply for these funds to enhance their skills and expand their businesses.
Additionally, he emphasised the importance of networking with key tourism and cultural agencies such as Kraftangan Malaysia, SCC, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), and MTCP.
He noted that events like Pesta Benak, the Sri Aman Craft Carnival, and the Borneo Craft Carnival provide valuable platforms for artisans to showcase their work.
Encouraging the use of digital technology, the minister advised craft entrepreneurs to explore e-commerce platforms for marketing, packaging, and distribution.
“Embracing digital trade will help reduce costs, simplify transactions, and speed up delivery,” he said.
During the event, Snowdan also presented certificates to 10 craft entrepreneurs in the gastronomy sector and trainers who completed various workshops.
Also present was SCC chief executive officer (CEO) Suriya Charles. — DayakDaily
