By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 17: Sarawak has won the bid to host the 22nd International Council on Monuments and Sites’ Triennial General Assembly 2026 (ICOMOS GA2026) dubbed as the ‘Olympic Games’ of the Cultural Calendar in Kuching city from Oct 17 to 24, 2026.
This would be the first time ever that this international event is hosted in Malaysia, and Southeast Asia in general.
Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the event is expected to attract 2,000 cultural heritage experts and professionals from 130 countries.
“They will actively participate in meetings and scientific symposiums, and visit significant cultural and natural heritage sites around Sarawak and Malaysia,” he said during a press conference at Bangunan Baitul Makmur II, Petra Jaya here today.
He further said the event is estimated to generate total economic impact of RM16.3 million; and a direct delegate expenditure of RM8.9 million, earning RM 984,000 in taxes.
“The event will also create 1,301 work opportunities for Kuching’s communities,” he added.
The proposed theme for ICOMOS GA2026 is “Living Heritage: Respect – Enhance – Accept – Partnership” which aims to educate about the positive role of heritage conservation in supporting and promoting respect, inclusivity and sustainability as part of the ongoing protection of some of the world’s rarest resources.
It will focus on five key principles, namely People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace and Partnerships which are designed and aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
For the record, ICOMOS Malaysia, Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) and the Malaysian Convention and Exhibition Bureau won the bid to host the event last year, which included the support from Sarawak Museum Department.
Leading up to the event, ICOMOS Malaysia is seeking partnerships with the public and private sectors throughout Malaysia as strategic partners and/or corporate partners.
To inquire about the collaborative opportunities or an interview with ICOMOS Malaysia, contact ICOMOS Malaysia deputy president Faisal Abdul Rahman at +6013-6359292 or email empirefaisal@gmail.com.
Amongst those present at the press conference were Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (Tourism) Datuk Sebastian Ting; Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (Creative Industry and Performing Arts) Datuk Snowdan Lawan; ICOMOS Malaysia president Tiong Kian Boon; deputy president Faisal Abdul Rahman; BESarawak general manager for Business Development and Marketing Jason Tan Chin Foo; Sarawak Museum Department deputy director Dayang Morzanah Awang Haddy; and MTCP principal assistant secretary of Arts, Culture and Heritage Dr Elena Gregoria Chai. — DayakDaily
