Kota Kinabalu: Asean’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation in culture and arts took centre stage as Sabah played host to the 21st Senior Officials Meeting on Culture and Arts (Somca) and the 17th Somca Plus Three, here, Wednesday.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Deputy Minister Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan said Sabah was chosen because of its reputation as a “powerful case study” of cultural heritage value creation within the Asean region.
He said the State’s diversity and strong community participation in preserving intangible and tangible heritage made it an ideal venue for discussions involving Asean and its dialogue partners.
“This morning’s meeting builds on previous Asean-level engagements.
“We now want to translate these discussions into real initiatives that strengthen cultural cooperation,” he told reporters after launching the meeting.
Khairul said the participation of delegates from China, Japan and the Republic of Korea further underscored the shared commitment in advancing cultural development under the Asean Plus Three framework.
“Their presence reflects our strong understanding and long-standing cooperation in culture and arts.
“It shows our readiness to move forward together,” he said.
He said hosting the meeting in Sabah brings clear benefits to the State, especially in empowering communities to safeguard and promote cultural identity.
“It is the best platform to showcase our richness in arts and heritage. I believe the delegates will leave with a deeper appreciation of how great Sabah truly is,” Khairul said.
The Borneo Arts and Crafts Bazaar, held in conjunction with the meeting, also attracted attention from Asean delegates.
The showcase includes Linangkit weaving, Bajau parang craftsmanship, Serdang and Siambitan weaving, as well as various bamboo crafts.
Khairul took time to visit the exhibition, describing it as an authentic representation of Sabah’s artistic heritage and a meaningful complement to the regional discussions.
In his speech earlier, Khairul also welcomed Timor-Leste as the newest member of Asean, describing its accession as an affirmation of the region’s shared vision.
He extended condolences to Thailand following the passing of the Queen Mother, and to Asean nations affected by Typhoon Kalmaegi.
He highlighted Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to support Asean’s cultural agenda, including the Asean Creative Economy Sustainability Framework and the Melaka Declaration on Cultural Heritage Value Creation.
“These initiatives elevate culture and creativity as drivers of inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the region,” he said.
Khairul also emphasised that people-to-people connectivity must be strengthened through digital platforms, cultural tourism and collaborative arts programmes to deepen mutual understanding among Asean communities.
Also present were Asean Deputy Sec-Gen San Lwin, Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai and senior delegates from Asean member states.
