Deputy Premier: Culinary arts can foster global friendship, cultural exchange
KUCHING (June 18): Culinary arts can serve as a bridge for fostering international friendship, cultural exchange and sustainable development, said Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
He emphasised that food and culture, which are integral in daily life in Sarawak, have the power to connect people globally.
'Many people are not familiar with Sarawak. Because of that, they have yet to discover the treasures we offer.
'Our neighbour, Sabah, is more well-known, but sometimes, the best things are discovered last while the lesser ones are found first.
'We are not talking about race or religion — we are simply talking about food. And food, in itself, is a symbol of our unity,' he remarked when officiating the TAPAS Competition, Exhibition & Seminar 2025 yesterday, which runs from June 17 to 19 at KTS Garden here.
As such, Dr Sim expressed hope that the cultural exchange with Valladolid, Spain would serve as an opportunity to further introduce Sarawak's culture, cuisine, and creative potential to the world.
Interestingly, he observed that the national flags of both regions share 75 per cent of the same colours — red and yellow — and noted that while Kuching is recognised as a Unesco City of Gastronomy, Valladolid holds the title of Unesco City of Film.
He also thanked the organisers for curating the entire competition ecosystem, including the rules, recycling practices, climate impact awareness, and the use of plastic.
Meanwhile, Dr Sim announced that the Kuching Food Festival 2025 is set to run from July 25 to Aug 17, with a target of attracting one million visitors.
'It is well known that Sarawakians living in Kuala Lumpur or Singapore often bring their friends home to sample the wide variety of food at the festival.
'We are even providing opportunities for students from institutions of higher learning to sell their creative food ideas to the public.
'Just look at how food brings people together — this is the kind of unity that draws people closer,' he said, adding that Sarawak has much to learn from other cultures in shaping a better future.
Also present at the event were Minister of Tourism, Events and Urban Branding of Valladolid, Spain, Blanca Jimenez Cuadrillero; Kuching South mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng; and Sarawak International Technical and Vocational Education Association president Sim Ling Ling. culinary arts cultural exchange Dr Sim Kui Hian local food
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