By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 14: Sarawak’s much-anticipated UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy Centre is set to be completed by August next year.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah noted that the centre is currently under construction at the MBKS swimming pool in Padungan.
The project will transform the site into a multifunctional space that incorporates the existing swimming area while offering facilities for preparing and showcasing Sarawak’s diverse ethnic cuisines.
“Once completed, it will become another iconic building where families can bring their children to swim, enjoy leisure activities, and at the same time experience multicultural and multiethnic culinary offerings under one roof.
“This is in line with Kuching’s recognition as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, and we are expediting the construction to meet the requirements. God willing, the centre should be completed by August next year, and an official announcement will follow,” he said after officiating the World Eco-Fiber and Textile (WEFT) Forum 2025 at Dewan Sri Mahligai today.
Abdul Karim also shared that a conference has been secured that could potentially be hosted at the new centre, signalling its role not only as a cultural hub but also a venue for international events.
For the record, the construction of the gastronomy centre began in March 2024 and will also incorporate extensive landscaping and green building principles, aiming to achieve the Green Building Index certification.
The centre will form a key part of Kuching’s bid to host the UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy conference in 2026, which, if successful, will bring together delegates from 63 cities worldwide and position Malaysia as a leader in cultural diplomacy, creative economy growth, and sustainable urban development.
Meanwhile, the WEFT Forum 2025, which runs from Nov 14 to 16, brings together scholars, designers, artisans, and industry professionals from 20 countries, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Brunei, Myanmar, India, Bangladesh, Kyrgyzstan, the United States, Canada, China, Thailand, Taiwan, Laos, Britain, Spain, France, Australia, New Zealand, and Malaysia.
The programme features forums, workshops, exhibitions, and immersive cultural experiences aimed at promoting sustainable and innovative approaches in the textile and creative industries.
Deputy Minister of Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng and Society Atelier Sarawak president Melinda Omar were among the distinguished guests present. — DayakDaily
