Kuching hosts the first ICOMOS in Southeast Asia

KUCHING, 21 October : Kuching made history when it was chosen as the first city in Southeast Asia to host the International Council for Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) Scientific Assembly and Symposium.

The prestigious conference brought together 1,800 participants and heritage conservation experts from 109 countries, thus placing Sarawak on the international stage in the field of cultural and natural heritage conservation.

Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said that the election of Sarawak as host was a great achievement for the state and Malaysia.

According to him, Sarawak managed to get the opportunity after overcoming fierce competition from three other countries in the bidding process.

"When we managed to bring the ICOMOS General Assembly to Kuching, it was a huge achievement because this is the first time that this conference has been held in Southeast Asia.

"Rarely have we had the opportunity to see so many international representatives gather at such a conference and symposium. It's a very proud achievement", he said, meeting TVS reporters here recently.

ICOMOS is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) that acts as the official advisory body to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in matters relating to the conservation and evaluation of world cultural heritage sites.

In Sarawak, ICOMOS played an important role in the technical evaluation that contributed to the recognition of Mount Mulu National Park and Niah Cave Complex National Park as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In addition to its natural heritage treasures, Kuching is also recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy and owns the Kuching Delta Geopark.

Commenting on the impact of the conference, Abdul Karim said that the presence of international delegations is expected to directly benefit the local hospitality industry, including the hospitality, transportation, food and retail sectors.

In this regard, he directed the service providers as well as local industry players to ensure that participants receive the best services while in Sarawak.

"Heritage is one of the main attractions in the tourism sector. When this treasure was exhibited to the world, it encouraged tourists to visit Sarawak.

"With the attendance of these 1,800 participants, we hope they will return to their respective countries as 'duta' promoting the beauty and uniqueness of Sarawak's heritage to the international community", he added.

He added that the Government of Sarawak through agencies like the Sarawak Forest Corporation (SFC) will continue to preserve the state's national parks and natural treasures to ensure the heritage is preserved for future generations.