02-08-2025
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
