MIRI: The World National & World Asia Tapas Competition, Exhibition, Festival and Seminar (WATCEFS) 2026 has made history by expanding from a national-level competition into an Asian-class gastronomy platform, featuring 55 participants from 13 countries.

The hosting of this international event is seen as highly capable of strengthening Miri's position as a gastronomy tourism destination and a growing food and beverage industry hub in this region.

Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah visited the festival at the Meritz Hotel here on Saturday, spending time interacting with participants and touring the participating exhibitions and booths.

WATCEFS 2026 also brings together more than 100 exhibitors and food vendors from Asia and Europe, subsequently providing a platform for business networking, exchange of expertise, and cross-border industry collaborations.

The festival features various highlights, including tapas competitions, masterclass sessions, barista competitions, coffee blending championships, trade exhibitions, and business matching sessions involving local and international food and beverage industry players.

Also serving as a main attraction is the WATCEFS Food Festival, which highlights the diversity of Sarawak's culinary heritage through the participation of 11 multi-racial and multi-ethnic community associations.

The participation of these communities does not only introduce traditional Sarawakian food to international visitors, but also serves as a medium to promote the culture, unity, and unique identity of the state's diverse society.

The organization of WATCEFS 2026 aligns with efforts to reinforce the gastronomy-based tourism sector, which is gaining increasing global attention, while opening up new economic opportunities for food operators, local entrepreneurs, and hospitality industry players. — UKASnews

Prepared by: Ryan Lim