By Karen Bong
KUCHING, July 3: Photographers have the power to become a bridge connecting Sarawak to the world through images that are attractive, authentic and respectful, helping to preserve heritage, celebrate cultural identity and showcase destinations.
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said photography and tourism are natural partners, with photographs often serving as a traveller’s first introduction to a destination.
“Before visitors arrive at a destination, they usually experience it first through an image. A photograph may introduce them to a rainforest, a cultural celebration, a local dish, a longhouse community or a destination that they may never have previously considered visiting,” he said.
He highlighted this in his speech when officiating the 14th United Asia Professional Photography Association (UAPPA) Annual General Meeting, Federation of Commercial Photographic Societies Malaysia Executive Meeting and Regional Photographic Workshop 2026 at a hotel today.
He noted that powerful images can inspire curiosity, create emotional connections and ultimately influence travel decisions, making professional photographers important contributors in shaping how destinations are perceived and remembered.
“Every photograph of Sarawak shared internationally has the potential to become an invitation to visit the State, while every well-told visual story can strengthen Sarawak’s tourism brand, support local businesses and encourage appreciation of its culture and environment,” he said.
Abdul Karim highlighted that Sarawak possesses extraordinary tourism assets, including some of the world’s oldest rainforests, rich biodiversity, UNESCO-recognised heritage sites, national parks, rivers, caves, festivals, traditional crafts and diverse ethnic communities.
Under Sarawak’s “Gateway to Borneo” positioning, he said the region aims to be recognised as a key entry point for visitors seeking authentic experiences in culture, adventure, nature, food and festivals.
“Our aim is not simply to promote places, but to present meaningful Sarawakian experiences that reflect our identity and celebrate our diversity,” he added.
He said photographers and photographic associations are valuable partners in achieving this vision by helping to present Sarawak to international audiences through compelling visual storytelling.
“Quality tourism photography should go beyond showcasing scenic beauty and instead communicate the character of a destination by highlighting its people, stories, values and experiences,” he emphasised.
Abdul Karim also pointed to photography’s role in supporting community-based tourism by documenting local cultures, handicrafts, food traditions, festivals and rural lifestyles.
Such exposure, he said, can help small tourism operators and local entrepreneurs reach wider audiences, generating benefits for homestay operators, tour guides, transport providers, artisans, food producers and other small businesses.
At the same time, he emphasised the importance of responsible photography, urging practitioners to portray cultures and communities with dignity and to respect environmental and cultural sensitivities.
“We must ensure that tourism promotion does not commercialise our heritage to the extent that it loses its meaning and authenticity. Photographers therefore have both a creative role and an ethical responsibility,” he said.
He also stressed that the State’s tourism agenda extends beyond increasing visitor arrivals.
“Our tourism policy is not merely to attract more visitors. We want to develop tourism that is sustainable, responsible and beneficial to our people,” he said.
He highlighted the Third Sarawak Tourism Master Plan 2021–2035 as the roadmap for transforming Sarawak into a preferred tourism destination, supporting the State’s aspiration to become a leading hub for ecotourism and business events while generating economic opportunities, particularly for rural communities.
More than 120 photography professionals, association leaders and industry practitioners from China, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Singapore and Malaysia attended the regional gathering in Kuching.
The event highlighted photography’s growing role as a catalyst for the creative economy, contributing not only to the arts but also to tourism, culture, media, commerce and heritage preservation.
Abdul Karim said the meeting reflects Sarawak’s commitment to supporting the growth of creative industries.
“By bringing together photography leaders from across Asia, the event helps build a more connected and resilient creative community while reinforcing photography’s value as both a profession and an economic driver,” he said.
He expressed hope that participants would leave the workshop with enhanced professional knowledge while experiencing Sarawak’s natural beauty, cultural diversity and renowned hospitality. — DayakDaily
