By Dayak Daily Team,Editor KB

Copyright dayakdaily

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Oct 8: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng has called on creators, craftspeople and heritage guardians to come together in continuing to shape Kuching and Sarawak into a thriving centre for creative pursuits, not just on the national stage but internationally.

Speaking at the official opening of All About Arts: ROOTS and Celebrating Malaysia Photo Exhibition as part of the 7th edition of the What About Kuching (WAK) Festival, Wee said Sarawak’s cultural and artistic heritage remains the foundation upon which its creative future must be built.

“The theme ROOTS is both timely and powerful. It reminds us that before we can reach higher or move forward, we must always remember where we come from.

“Our roots are found in every aspect of life, in our cultural practices, in the recipes handed down through generations, in the clothes we wear, and in the artforms that express our stories and emotions,” he said in his speech text at the event held at tHe Spring today.

He emphasised that these traditions, including the crafts, songs, dances and cuisine, connect Sarawakians to their ancestors and to the land they call home, forming the essence of what makes the Sarawak an authentic and appealing destination for visitors from around the world.

“But even more remarkable than our diversity is our unity, our ability to live harmoniously and joyfully together despite our many differences. This, I believe, is the true beauty of Sarawak,” he added.

Wee commended the WAK Festival’s evolution from a grassroots, community-driven initiative into a dynamic platform that reflects the creative soul of Sarawak. Each year, he noted, the festival gathers artists, musicians, designers, writers, performers, and entrepreneurs to share their talents and passions, transforming Kuching into a city that “breathes creativity and collaboration.”

“On behalf of MBKS, I wish to reaffirm our continued support for the WAK Festival. Each year, we will do our very best to facilitate its endeavours and to provide the conditions for it to thrive,” he said.

He noted that Kuching’s recognition as a World Crafts City by the World Crafts Council and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy reflects the exceptional artistry and craftsmanship of its creative community, from weavers, carvers, and beaders to designers and culinary innovators.

“These honours remind us that our creative and culinary traditions are not just relics of the past but living expressions of our culture that continue to evolve. They also come with responsibility to preserve, to innovate, and to share these treasures with the world,” he reminded.

Wee emphasised that exhibitions like All About Arts: ROOTS and Celebrating Malaysia play a vital role in showcasing both tangible and intangible heritage, nurturing young talent, and connecting Sarawak’s creativity to a global audience.

He also applauded the curators, including renowned textile designer Edric Ong and photographer Edwin Lay, for their contributions in celebrating the state’s artistic identity and heritage through their works.

“To everyone here, I encourage you to explore the artworks, crafts, textiles, photographs, and installations. Let each piece remind you that creativity and culture are the roots that keep our community grounded and growing,” he urged.

In closing, Wee expressed confidence that the exhibitions and the WAK Festival would continue to inspire pride in Sarawak’s heritage and strengthen its reputation as a land of “unity in diversity and creativity in harmony.”

“May the spirit of creativity continue to flourish in our beloved City of Unity,” he said. — DayakDaily