Abang Johari (second right) and Juma’ani (third right) on a tour of the exhibition area. Esther is at left. — Photos by Tan Song Wei
KUCHING: The Sarawak government will see to it that digital infrastructure is put in place to promote indigenous art products in the state to the world.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said his administration will boost the digital infrastructure at the old State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex in Petra Jaya towards this end.
Esther presents a memento to Abang Johari. Seen at the left is Snowdan.
“The state government is promoting both arts and culture. This particular building (old DUN Complex) will be renovated and meant for performing arts where we will be able to promote our unique culture.
“Particularly our indigenous products, with their design which is also unique, that can be promoted worldwide,” he said at the Alta Moda Sarawak (AMS) 2019 Gala Night Finale at the old DUN Complex on Saturday.
Once the digital infrastructure is in place, Abang Johari said industry players will be able to promote and market their products and services through e-commerce.
Given the unique design of Sarawak’s indigenous products, he stressed: “Of course with those products and designs, it is our intention to market it globally.”
“The potential is there,” he said.
Esther (second right) presents the mock cheque to Sagyma vice president Olivia Ling, witnessed by Abang Johari. At left is Snowdan.
The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman was pleased to note that most of the models are Sarawakians, adding that they had attained international standard.
Prior to the speech, Abang Johari took a tour of the art products at the exhibition area outside the hall.
On those products, he said: “I notice that they are of high quality and international standard, and therefore, Kuching City is now of international standard too.”
He said ‘we have good ambience in Kuching’ while the Sarawak government is working on some infrastructure improvement works in the city.
“We are upgrading our infrastructure and ambience along the Sarawak River in the next 10 years. We’ll also transform the Waterfront from here right up to Isthmus centre. And that is our long-term plan.
“Definitely with the completion of this plan, fashion and things related to fashion will also flourish,” added the Chief Minister.
Among those present were Abang Johari’s wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Snowdan Lawan and AMS chairperson Datin Esther Mujan Balan.
At the event, AMS handed over a RM1,000-cheque to the Sarawak Amateur Gymnastic Association (Sagyma).