Latest news with #AbdulKarimRahmanHamzah
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
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.
The Star
3 days ago
- General
- The Star
13m whale skeleton set to be S'wak museum attraction
KUCHING: A 13m-long whale skeleton is set to go on display following its acquisition by the Sarawak Museum Department. State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the Sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis) was initially found dead and drifting near Pulau Seduku in the Sri Aman division in November. He said it was the third whale specimen in the department's collection and the largest to date. "We will find a place for it, either in the Borneo Cultures Museum or the Natural History Museum. "It will be an interesting exhibit," he told reporters after chairing a Sarawak Heritage Council meeting here on Wednesday (June 18). The whale carcass was first reported by area residents on social media on Nov 19. ALSO READ: Dead whale found in Sarawak is Sei whale, says Sarawak Forestry Four days later, a team from Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) discovered the heavily decomposed carcass trapped around the construction site of a bridge near the Triso Ferry. The Museum Department subsequently obtained the skeleton through collaboration with the Sri Aman Resident Office, Lingga and Sebuyau district offices, SFC, Fire and Rescue Department, police and the local community. Now part of the museum's zoology collection, the specimen holds significant value for research and exhibition. Karim also said a set of traditional goldsmithing tools nearly a century old was recently donated to the department by Teo Keng Boon, the grandson of well-known goldsmith Teo Chai Seng. He said the set comprised machinery, hand tools, a work station, gas canister, vault and the original shop signboard. The equipment was used to shape gold bars into plates and wires to be fashioned into jewellery. "Entirely operated by hand, the tools are estimated to be over 90 years old. "The goldsmith's shop was located at China Street here and ceased operations in 2005," Karim said. In addition, he said two copper pots estimated to be over 70 years old were donated to the department by Surau Darul Falah at Kampung Tupong here. He said the pots were used by the villagers to cook rice, porridge and other dishes during communal events.
The Star
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Sustainability remains a key pillar of Sarawak's RWMF, says minister
KUCHING: Sarawak's renowned Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) will continue to emphasise sustainability along with music and culture to meet the changing expectations of a global audience. State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said a record crowd of 26,000 visitors last year came for world-class entertainment, cultural exchange, and eco-conscious practices. ALSO READ: Earth, Wind & Fire to play at Sarawak's popular RWMF in June "The immaculate grounds post-festival are proof of our firm stance on sustainable tourism," he said in an e-mail interview. Building on last year's success, Karim said, RWMF remained committed to its role as a platform for promoting responsible tourism. "This year, the Green Ruai initiative is being broadened through collaborations with both local and international partners, including the Pacific Asia Travel Association (Pata) and Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB). ALSO READ: Record crowds at RWMF 2024 "With features such as a carbon calculator and solar-powered street lighting around the festival grounds, these efforts reflect our drive to amplify and intensify sustainable practices at the festival," he said. Now in its 28th year, RWMF is taking place at the Sarawak Cultural Village from Friday to Sunday (June 20 to 22). It will feature artists from 20 countries, including Russia, Hawaii, Colombia and New Zealand, as well as the Earth, Wind and Fire Experience by Al McKay. ALSO READ: 5 must-visit music festivals in Sarawak, including one of the world's biggest "RWMF remains an important platform for blending world music with cultural showcases and fringe experiences, offering attendees a deeper connection to Sarawak's rich heritage and diverse cultural landscape. "Through its diverse programming and focus on sustainability, RWMF continues to position Sarawak as a cultural hub, reinforcing its identity as a leading ecotourism destination while attracting global attention to its unique cultural offerings," Karim added.
Borneo Post
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Borneo Post
Samarahan Bike Challenge returns with more categories, bigger prizes and global participation
KUCHING (June 12): The highly anticipated Samarahan Bike Challenge (SBC) is set to return for its ninth edition on June 22, promising a bigger and more competitive event with expanded race categories, increased prize money, and the inclusion of international cyclists. Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the annual event is once again supported by his ministry and organised by the Samarahan District Office in collaboration with the Sarawak Cycling Association. 'The criterium-style race will flag off at 7am from The Summer Shopping Mall in Kota Samarahan. This is one of the most awaited cycling competitions in the region due to its exciting and challenging course layout, sharp corners and quality road conditions. 'For the 2025 edition, two new categories have been introduced: the Veteran category for participants aged 40 and above, and the Youth Women category for those aged 15 and under. 'With the addition of these new divisions, the total number of race categories now stands at seven,' he told a press conference at the Baitul Makmur II Building here today. He also said that the Men Open category is open to participants aged 16 and above, attracting seasoned and competitive riders while the Sarawak Closed category, also for those aged 16 and above, is limited to local riders from the state. The newly introduced Veteran category will also cater to cyclists aged 40 and above, combining the previously separate Men's Master A and Master B classes. Meanwhile, the Ladies Open category welcomes female participants aged 16 and above. 'The Junior category is open to younger riders aged between 16 and 20, providing a platform for up-and-coming talent. The Youth Men category accommodates boys aged 15 and under, while the Youth Women category, new for this year, gives young female cyclists in the same age group a chance to compete. 'These additions aim to further support the development of grassroots cycling talent in line with Sarawak's aspiration to become a regional sport powerhouse,' he said. The total prize pool of RM23,900 will be awarded across all categories, with the top three finishers in the Men Open category receiving RM1,500, RM1,200, and RM800 respectively while other categories offer attractive rewards, with all categories awarding up to the 10th place. Abdul Karim also revealed that as of June 10, a total of 175 participants have registered with the Men Open, Sarawak Closed, and Veteran categories saw the highest entries with 99,120, and 102 participants respectively. 'Notably, the event has drawn international competitors from Canada, Germany, New Zealand, the British Virgin Islands, Brunei, and Indonesia,' he said. He also said that among the local highlights this year is the participation of national cycling veteran Anuar Manan and prominent teams such as Kembar Melaka, Jupha Perlis, Elmi KL and Team PDRM-G. With that, he underscored the broader impact of the event, noting its role in boosting sport tourism in Sarawak. 'This event not only fosters sporting excellence but also supports the local economy such as homestays, budget hotels, eateries and transport services all benefit from the influx of riders, supporters, and their families,' he said. Thus, organisers anticipate even more registrations before the event kicks off, signaling a strong comeback for SBC 2025 as a premier fixture in the state's cycling calendar.
