Latest news with #AbdulKarim
Borneo Post
10 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak Craft Council formed under new ordinance to boost local industry
Abdul Karim says the industry had previously lacked a formal administrative structure. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (June 20): Sarawak's craft industry will undergo structured development with the establishment of the Sarawak Craft Council, following the gazettement of the Sarawak Craft Council Ordinance 2023 on May 1 this year. The ordinance provides a legal framework to promote and develop the local craft sector while uniting communities through Sarawak's artistic and cultural heritage. State Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the industry had previously lacked a formal administrative structure. 'In the past, the Sarawak Craft Council was only run by a manager. Now, with this ordinance, we have a chief executive officer ― Suriya Charles Baos,' he said during a press conference after chairing the council's first official meeting here today. He also announced the appointment of the council's board members, including renowned crafts expert Edric Ong, Tanoti Sdn Bhd founder Dato Jacqueline Fong, and Sarawak Crafts Association for Rural Community Development president Nur Rahmah Ranong Abdullah. He noted that the board selection reflects Sarawak's ethnic diversity. 'We want all races to feel represented,' he said. Abdul Karim himself has been appointed as chairman of the council, while his deputy, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, serves as deputy chairman. He said the council is tasked with introducing a branding mechanism ― such as 'Sarawak Best' ― to ensure local crafts are recognised as high-quality products capable of competing in the global market. In addition, the council will play a role in setting benchmark pricing to protect the value of local crafts, as well as organising regular expos and seminars, including the biennial Borneo Global Craft event. He said the council will also explore strategic partnerships with corporate entities such as Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, to empower rural craft makers. 'If we can successfully develop craft communities in longhouses or villages, they can earn extra income. This will not only help uplift the household economy, but also preserve the heritage,' he said. Abdul Karim expressed confidence that the Sarawak Craft Council will evolve into an independent institution capable of managing the state's craft industry in a more organised and sustainable manner. Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah sarawak craft council
Borneo Post
14 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
New Sarawak Craft Council HQ, gallery to be built in Kuching
Abdul Karim (centre) speaks to the media at the press conference while Snowdan (right) and Sherrina look on. – Photo by Agnes Tugong KUCHING (June 20): A one-stop craft centre is set to be built in the heart of Kuching to serve as the headquarters of the Sarawak Craft Council and a dedicated gallery for local craft products, said State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. He said the centre will be strategically located behind the Sikh Temple adjacent to the road leading to the Borneo Cultures Museum. 'This will be the central hub for Sarawak's craft activities. Museum visitors who wish to purchase local craft items can head directly to the centre after their visit,' he told a press conference after chairing the Sarawak Craft Council meeting today, adding that construction is expected to take approximately two years. Abdul Karim, is also the newly appointed Sarawak Craft Council chairman, said the council's temporary office will operate out of the Sarawak Steamship Building until the new facility is ready. He did not disclose the cost and when the construction will begin. On a related note, Abdul Karim said to further promote local crafts and recognise outstanding artisans, a Sarawak Craft Festival or Craft Day will be introduced soon. The festival, he added, would become a regular event, potentially starting as early as next year, to honour exceptional crafters through awards, certificates, or even designating craft icons He added that to streamline policy implementation and promotional efforts, all craft centres in Miri, Sibu, and other locations will be brought under the purview of the Sarawak Craft Council. 'Registration with the Sarawak Craft Council is encouraged to have access to various benefits such as support funds, promotions as well as skills development and marketing programmes. 'We have funds such as the Facilitation Fund, and if they do not want to register, they will lose out,' he said. To boost global visibility, Abdul Karim said the council would also help artisans market their products online and facilitate participation in international tourism and trade events such as ITB Berlin and the World Travel Market in London. He said the uniqueness and authenticity of Sarawak's crafts are major selling points on the global stage. 'Authentic and fine handmade products always have their own values. We need to patent our designs so that they are not copied or registered by outsiders,' he said. As an example, he cited the traditional Iban top hat 'Topi Tunjang', which recently drew the attention of the French President Emmanuel Macron during the 'Revelations Biennale Paris 2025' exhibition in Paris on May 21, as proof that Sarawak crafts have strong international appeal when properly showcased. Abdul Karim expressed confidence that with a comprehensive development strategy, Sarawak could not only become a national craft hub but also a benchmark for the regional craft industry. Also present at the press conference were State Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Datuk Snowdan Lawan and the ministry's permanent secretary Datu Sherrina Hussaini.
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Sarawak takeover of MASwings set to realise tourism potential, says Abdul Karim
KUCHING: Sarawak's acquisition of MASwings Sdn Bhd to become state-owned carrier AirBorneo will significantly boost tourism through better connectivity, says Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. The state Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister said AirBorneo reflected Sarawak's ambition to improve connectivity and strengthen its ambition to be a leading destination for regional and international travellers. "For too long, air connectivity has been a limiting factor in fully realising Sarawak's tourism potential," he said in an email interview. "With AirBorneo, we are changing that narrative. By transitioning from MASwings into a state-owned, full-service carrier, we are addressing long-standing connectivity gaps, particularly in underserved rural areas. "This allows us to open up the hidden gems of Sarawak, from the heart of the Bornean rainforest to the coastal charm of our lesser-known towns, offering visitors authentic experiences that go far beyond urban centres." It was previously reported that the acquisition of MASwings was expected to be completed by Dec 31 when its ownership will be fully transferred to AirBorneo Holdings Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the state government The state government signed a sale and purchase agreement with MASwings' parent company Malaysia Aviation Group on Feb 12. Abdul Karim said AirBorneo will initially focus on rural air services within Sarawak and Sabah, with a long-term vision of regional and global connectivity. He said this vision will be achieved through code-sharing agreements with Malaysia Airlines and other major international carriers, connecting Sarawak to Asean and Middle East hubs and eventually to long-haul markets like Germany, South Korea, Japan and beyond. "This connectivity will not only support tourism but drive investment, trade and talent exchange," he said. Abdul Karim also said Sarawak was actively exploring new international routes and greater flight frequencies. "At Routes Asia 2025 in Perth, for example, our delegation engaged with global aviation stakeholders to promote Sarawak's tourism offerings and build new air service opportunities," he said. He added that these efforts were complemented by Sarawak's plans to build a new international airport in Kuching, which would position the state capital as a regional aviation hub. "In short, AirBorneo is a cornerstone of our integrated tourism strategy. It brings together infrastructure, service excellence, rural empowerment and international expansion," he said.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Abd Karim: Youth must be architects of our shared future
Abdul Karim (fifth left), flanked by his deputies, joins other officials for a photo session at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre. KUCHING (June 18): The Rainforest Youth Summit (RAYS) is more than just a platform for dialogue – it is a movement for co-creation and change, aimed at empowering young people to take ownership of their future, said Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. Speaking at the summit's opening ceremony held at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre today, he emphasised that Sarawak's role as host extended beyond logistics and hospitality. 'This platform is designed so that youths will not merely be participants, but active architects of our shared future,' he said. 'We are committed to ensuring the outcomes of this summit influence real policy decisions and spur community-driven action,' he added. Now in its second year, RAYS has convened more than 20 speakers from 13 countries, offering a vibrant space for youth to share diverse perspectives on sustainability, indigenous knowledge, climate action, and youth advocacy. Abdul Karim, who is also State Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Minister, praised the Sarawak Tourism Board for its leadership in organising the summit and expressed gratitude to all collaborators, volunteers, and partners. He noted that the summit aligns with the state's Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which seeks to drive inclusive economic growth while prioritising environmental sustainability and social equity. Absul Karim also highlighted Sarawak's ongoing efforts in environmental conservation and innovation, including investments in renewable energy, development of biodiversity corridors, and the pursuit of United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) recognition for Sarawak Delta Geopark. 'Here in Sarawak, we are proud to lead by example. Our policies and programmes demonstrate that sustainability and cultural preservation are central to development,' he said. He added that RAYS supports Sarawak's alignment with global frameworks such as the Paris Agreement and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) regional strategies, by ensuring youth voices are represented in climate and policy dialogues. Urging participants to bring back the insights gained at RAYS to their communities, Abdul Karim stressed the importance of continued engagement. 'We want our youth – whether from Sarawak, Malaysia, or across Asean – to shape, lead, and curate the future they wish to inherit. 'Through platforms like RAYS, we ensure their voices are not only heard but are part of the policymaking process,' he said. He concluded by inviting delegates to experience Sarawak's rich heritage and culinary traditions, reminding them that Kuching has been recognised by Unesco as both a 'Creative City of Gastronomy' and a 'World City of Crafts'. Also present were Deputy State Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Ministers Datuk Sebastian Ting and Datuk Snowdan Lawan, as well as Deputy State Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Ministers Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat and Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu. Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah Rainforest Youth Summit RAYS youth
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Borneo Cultures Museum records 117,095 visitors from Jan-June 16 this year
Abdul Karim speaks to reporter. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (June 18): The Borneo Cultures Museum (BCM) remains a key attraction in the state, having recorded 117,095 visitors from Jan-June 16, 2025, said State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. He said since its official opening in 2022, the museum has welcomed a cumulative 1,354,275 visitors as of June 16 this year. Abdul Karim said other museums in the state such as the Petroleum Museum in Miri; the Islamic Heritage Museum; and Natural History Museum also contributed significantly to overall visitor numbers in Sarawak. 'As of June 16, these museums collectively recorded 79,575 visitors since January this year,' he told reporters after chairing a Sarawak Heritage Council meeting at a hotel here today. Abdul Karim said that each year, the Sarawak Museum Department strives to bring in world-class exhibitions that are both engaging and educational. 'These exhibitions are often intriguing, interactive and offer valuable learning experiences. Among the notable showcases previously hosted are 'The Moon', 'GAIA' and 'The Pristine Seas'. Each of these exhibitions has attracted thousands of visitors, and sparked curiosity across generations. 'Building on this momentum, the department is proud to unveil its next spectacular showcase: an exhibition on the sun titled 'Helios'. Set to launch in November, Helios promises to be a must-see highlight for science enthusiasts, families, and curious minds of all ages. 'With interactive elements, educational content and awe-inspiring displays, this exhibition will ignite wonder and spark conversations,' he said. On another note, he said the Sarawak Museum Department will participate in this year's national-level International Museum Day celebration in Kedah from July 23-29. 'This annual celebration aims to raise public awareness about the important role museums play in society's development. This year marks the 29th edition of the celebration, and a contingent of 34 staff members will represent the department. 'The contingent will set up an exhibition booth and participate in the inter-museum sports tournament, which involves museum staff from across Malaysia,' he said. Meanwhile, Abdul Karim said on Feb 12, 2025, the Sarawak Museum Department has successfully gazetted 14 historical sites, buildings, monuments and underwater spots as heritage sites under the Sarawak Heritage Ordinance 2019. These gazetted sites are Rumah Panjang Melanau Kampung Sok, Matu; Rumah Sri Tanjung, Tanjung Lobang in Miri; Sacred Heart Church, Sungai Bawan in Kanowit; Makam Dato Permaisuri, Miri; Pusara Ali Wallace, Kampung Jaie in Sadong Jaya; Kubur Shariff Skrang, Kampung Igan in Matu; Tapak Masjid Bandaraya Kuching; Tapak Pertempuran Beting Maro; Lombong Arang Batu Brook, Gunung Ngili in Simunjan; Batu Ritong in Pa Lungan, Bario; Tapak Pertempuran Kampung Jangkar, Lundu; Tuang Schist Semeba, Kuching; Folded Schist Demak, Kuching; and Japanese Landing Craft, Brighton Beach in Miri. Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah Borneo Cultures Museum visitors
