Dr Sim: Kuching must surpass global standards
KUCHING (Aug 2): Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has called on Kuchingites to aim beyond global benchmarks, stressing that Kuching should not only meet but surpass the standards set by other internationally recognised cities.
Speaking at the launch of the Kuching Festival Fair (KFF) 2025 at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Floating Theatre here last night, Dr Sim highlighted the city's growing stature through various global affiliations and initiatives.
'For Kuching, nowadays, we are not just a small City of Gastronomy. We are not just a city working with UNICEF to become part of the Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI), and we are not just a city recognised as a member of the WHO Global Network of Age‑Friendly Cities and Communities (AFCC).
'Kuching is no longer just confined to 'jungle of Borneo' standards, we are a city of international standards.
'And I expect our city of international standards to be better in value than some of the other international-standard cities,' he said.
In conjunction with the festival organised by MBKS, Dr Sim pointed out that Kuching's progress is not only about infrastructure or global recognition, but also about how its people live, work, and celebrate together, across cultures and communities.
He also highlighted the festival as part of the state's broader efforts in nation building, saying that beyond modern infrastructure, Sarawakians must also recognise and appreciate shared values and cultural identity.
Meanwhile, Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng announced a new highlight of this year's festival: the Gastronomy Corner, which reinforces Kuching's recognition under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in Gastronomy.
(From third right) Wee, Hilmy, and Dr Sim press the launch switch for Kuching Festival Fair 2025, joined by Snowdan (second left) and other invited guests. — Photo by Chimon Upon
'This initiative is part of MBKS's Gastronomy Roadmap, a long-term effort to nurture talent, promote innovation, and elevate Kuching as a gastronomic capital in the region,' he said.
The corner showcases food from Zhenjiang in Jiangsu Province and Quanzhou in Fujian Province, China. It also features dishes by winners of the Kuching Chef competition, particularly those who have represented the city at national and international culinary stages.
The event also witnessed the Quanzhou Municipal People's Congress of Fujian Province conferring the title of Quanzhou Gastronomy Global Promotion Ambassador on Wee.
Wee added that MBKS has created more platforms to empower young Kuchingites to contribute meaningfully to society, in line with the Child Friendly Cities Initiative.
'This year, many stalls at the festival are proudly operated by youth groups and young entrepreneurs. This isn't just a business opportunity, it's a valuable experience in leadership, teamwork, and innovation. We are proud to support their growth and believe in their potential,' he said.
Also present at the event were Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Kuching South Deputy Mayor Dato Dr Zaiedi Suhaili, Kuching North Datuk Bandar Dato Hilmy Othman, Consul-General of the People's Republic of China in Kuching Xing Weiping, and other honoured guests. Dr Sim Kui Hian high standards kuching city Kuching Festival Fair
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Borneo Post
19 hours ago
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Dr Sim: Kuching must surpass global standards
Wee (front left) and Dr Sim visit one of the food stalls at the Gastronomy Corner during the Kuching Festival Fair (KFF) 2025. — Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (Aug 2): Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has called on Kuchingites to aim beyond global benchmarks, stressing that Kuching should not only meet but surpass the standards set by other internationally recognised cities. Speaking at the launch of the Kuching Festival Fair (KFF) 2025 at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Floating Theatre here last night, Dr Sim highlighted the city's growing stature through various global affiliations and initiatives. 'For Kuching, nowadays, we are not just a small City of Gastronomy. We are not just a city working with UNICEF to become part of the Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI), and we are not just a city recognised as a member of the WHO Global Network of Age‑Friendly Cities and Communities (AFCC). 'Kuching is no longer just confined to 'jungle of Borneo' standards, we are a city of international standards. 'And I expect our city of international standards to be better in value than some of the other international-standard cities,' he said. In conjunction with the festival organised by MBKS, Dr Sim pointed out that Kuching's progress is not only about infrastructure or global recognition, but also about how its people live, work, and celebrate together, across cultures and communities. He also highlighted the festival as part of the state's broader efforts in nation building, saying that beyond modern infrastructure, Sarawakians must also recognise and appreciate shared values and cultural identity. Meanwhile, Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng announced a new highlight of this year's festival: the Gastronomy Corner, which reinforces Kuching's recognition under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in Gastronomy. (From third right) Wee, Hilmy, and Dr Sim press the launch switch for Kuching Festival Fair 2025, joined by Snowdan (second left) and other invited guests. — Photo by Chimon Upon 'This initiative is part of MBKS's Gastronomy Roadmap, a long-term effort to nurture talent, promote innovation, and elevate Kuching as a gastronomic capital in the region,' he said. The corner showcases food from Zhenjiang in Jiangsu Province and Quanzhou in Fujian Province, China. It also features dishes by winners of the Kuching Chef competition, particularly those who have represented the city at national and international culinary stages. The event also witnessed the Quanzhou Municipal People's Congress of Fujian Province conferring the title of Quanzhou Gastronomy Global Promotion Ambassador on Wee. Wee added that MBKS has created more platforms to empower young Kuchingites to contribute meaningfully to society, in line with the Child Friendly Cities Initiative. 'This year, many stalls at the festival are proudly operated by youth groups and young entrepreneurs. This isn't just a business opportunity, it's a valuable experience in leadership, teamwork, and innovation. We are proud to support their growth and believe in their potential,' he said. Also present at the event were Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Kuching South Deputy Mayor Dato Dr Zaiedi Suhaili, Kuching North Datuk Bandar Dato Hilmy Othman, Consul-General of the People's Republic of China in Kuching Xing Weiping, and other honoured guests. Dr Sim Kui Hian high standards kuching city Kuching Festival Fair
Borneo Post
2 days ago
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Kuching eyes two national records with over 9,600 registered for Zumba Fiesta
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Borneo Post
23-07-2025
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Colours of China, rhythm of Japan at MBKS' International Friendship Cities Night this July 25–27
(From third left) Wee, Zaiedi, Chai, and Kuching Festival main sponsor Pepsi representatives, show sneak peek photos of the upcoming cultural performances. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (July 24): The International Friendship Cities Night, part of this year's Kuching Festival, will take place from July 25 to 27 at the MBKS Theatre, offering three nights of vibrant cultural performances from Kuching's sister cities abroad. Running nightly from 7.30pm to 10pm, the event is a celebration of friendship, cultural exchange, and unity, said Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng at a press conference yesterday. 'I'm very deeply honoured to share with everyone that this year we will be welcoming delegations from Tai'an (Shandong Province), Zhenjiang (Jiangsu Province), Zhengzhou (Henan Province), and Quanzhou (Fujian Province) in China, as well as Asuke from Toyota City, Japan,' he said. Wee said the visiting delegations had travelled great distances to showcase traditional performances that reflect their heritage and artistic spirit. Among the highlights from China's Tai'an delegation are students from Taishan University, who will perform Ode to the Coral (a female solo), a gu zheng solo of Lofty Mountains and Flowing Streams, a spirited Competitive Fitness Qigong and Single Knife Dance, and a graceful blend of traditional music and Tai Chi in Silver Clouds Pursuing the Moon. The evening would also feature a dynamic martial arts display titled Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. From Zhenjiang, students from Zhenjiang Experimental School will present five elegant Chinese dances: Beijing Melodies, The Unity of Land, The Little Point, A Very Beautiful Place and Fernleaf Hedge Bamboo Under the Moonlight, and Lotus Drum Melody. Quanzhou will bring the charm of traditional Chinese puppetry to life with a Marionette Show that promises to enchant both young and old. Zhengzhou's delegation, meanwhile, will present an electrifying display of authentic Shaolin Kung Fu, performed by martial artists from the famed Shaolin Temple — promising a breathtaking fusion of discipline, tradition, and power. From Japan, the Asuke delegation will deliver a stirring Japanese Taiko Drum performance — bold, rhythmic, and deeply rooted in Japanese culture. 'This is a rare opportunity for the people of Kuching and our visitors to witness international cultural performances live, right here in our own backyard. 'I sincerely invite everyone, families, students, cultural lovers, and members of the public to come and experience this extraordinary event. 'Bring your friends and children and let them witness the colours of China and the rhythm of Japan. 'Let us fill this theatre with applause, appreciation, and unity,' Wee said. Admission is free, and each night promises a world-class cultural experience at the MBKS Theatre. Also at the press conference were Kuching South Deputy Mayor and Kuching Festival Main Organising Committee Chairman, Dato Dr Zaiedi Suhaili, and Deputy Chairman Cr Chai Ju Loon.
