Sarawak Expands Creative Sector Through Craft & Arts Development
KUCHING: Sarawak’s creative sector continued to grow in 2025 through expanded craft entrepreneurship, community-based arts programmes and strengthened cultural education initiatives.
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the achievements by the Sarawak Craft Council (SCC) and Sarawak Arts Council (MSS) demonstrate the state’s commitment to nurturing creative talent and preserving cultural identity.
“In particular, SCC recorded strong growth with registered craft entrepreneurs increasing to 1,503 this year, supported by broader participation in local and international events.
“Our craft industry continues to grow steadily, with registered craft entrepreneurs rising from 1,243 last year to 1,503 this year,” he said.
He said this during his ministerial winding-up session at the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting on Monday.
Meanwhile, he noted that MSS continued to uplift the arts ecosystem, with 1,488 participants benefiting from talent development and arts education programmes across all divisions.
“A total of 1,488 participants have benefited from our talent development programmes, gaining technical skills, creative confidence and opportunities to perform at the state level,” he said.
Other community arts initiatives such as Bengkel Kesenian Desa involved 500 rural participants, while the Festival Kesenian Sarawak showcased diverse performances from Penan, Kenyah, Kedayan, Lakiput, Bugis, Jatti Miriek and Kajang communities. -UKASnews
