By Brad Rantayy
MIRI, May 29: The Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak is welcoming applications for the Heritage, Arts and Culture Facilitation Fund, which has RM5.35 million remaining.
According to Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, the fund is open to artists, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and non-profit organisations (NPOs) in Sarawak.
“In 2022, the Premier of Sarawak has approved RM10 million for the fund, and from this figure, last year we supported 80 activities and programmes throughout Sarawak amounting to RM4.65 million up to the end of 2022,” said Ting.
He said this today after chairing the Sarawak Tourism Coordination Committee (STCC) meeting in Miri.
“The SFS (State Financial Secretary) has just approved my ministry’s appeal to retain the fund’s balance and to be utilised thoroughly.
“My ministry also provides research grants to government agencies, higher learning institutions and universities, educational institutions, and NGOs who propose to carry out research, studies or surveys in topics or areas related and can contribute to the development of tourism, arts, and culture of Sarawak,” Ting said.
The outcomes are in the form of tourism products and packages ready for promotion and marketing.
From September 2021 to April 2023, 14 research grants were approved with a total allocation of RM6,245,965.
“In 2022, through Business Events Sarawak by Sarawak Convention Bureau, we secured ten business events worth RM326.3 million in total economic impact,” he said.
Miri Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang, who is also Pujut assemblyman, ministry permanent secretary Datu Sherrina Hussaini, and the ministry’s principal assistant secretary Dr Elena Gregoria Chai Chin Fern were also present during the meeting. — DayakDaily
