KUCHING: Modern development and cultural heritage conservation must progress hand-in-hand to ensure Sarawak’s advancement does not sacrifice its historical treasures, traditions, and societal identity.

Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this balance can be achieved through meticulous planning, responsible management, and active local community involvement.

According to him, heritage conservation efforts should not focus solely on historical buildings and monuments, but must also encompass traditional knowledge, cultural practices, collective memory, and community identity passed down through generations.

He noted that Sarawak’s conservation approach must integrate traditional knowledge, scientific research, technological innovation, and effective governance to address challenges posed by climate change, natural disasters, rapid urbanization, and social shifts.

“This is clearly visible when we visit the interior areas of Sarawak.

“However, Sarawak’s uniqueness lies in the fact that despite being located deep in the interior, connectivity facilities—including digital access—are available in most areas,” he said.

He said this when speaking at the Officiating Ceremony of the Scientific Symposium held in conjunction with the 22nd International Council on Monuments and Sites General Assembly and Scientific Symposium (ICOMOS GA2026) at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here on Monday.

Dato Sri Abdul Karim added that indigenous peoples and local communities play a crucial role as custodians of knowledge, traditions, and cultural practices that form the bedrock of Sarawak’s living heritage.

He explained that their involvement is not merely as beneficiaries, but as strategic partners in ensuring cultural treasures continue to be safeguarded for future generations.

He said Sarawak remains committed to honoring diverse cultural identities, empowering community roles, and protecting the state’s heritage alongside responsibly executed development.

Meanwhile, he noted that hosting ICOMOS GA2026 provides Sarawak with an avenue to share its experiences and contribute to global discussions on sustainable heritage conservation approaches.

He expressed hope that the international platform would strengthen expert exchanges, build lasting cooperative networks, and unlock collaboration opportunities in protecting and passing on cultural heritage to future generations.

Also present were Deputy Ministers for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan and Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Operations) and Chairman of Business Events Sarawak Datu Hii Chang Kee, and other distinguished guests. — UKASnews

Prepared by: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Photos: Ameerul Shafiq Khir
Translator: Ryan Lim