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Kota Kinabalu: Malaysia reaffirmed its leadership in regional cultural cooperation, with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) successfully hosting the 21st Senior Officials’ Meeting on Culture and Arts (SOMCA) and related meetings from 17 to 22 November 2025 in Sabah. Over three days of high-level discussions, senior officials from all ASEAN Member States, along with representatives from China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, convened to advance collaboration in culture, arts, and the creative economy. The meetings included:

 

• The 21st Meeting of the ASEAN Senior Officials for Culture and Arts (SOMCA)
• The 17th Meeting of the ASEAN Plus Three Senior Officials for Culture and Arts (SOMCA Plus Three)
• The 13th Meeting of the ASEAN Plus China Senior Officials on Culture and the Arts (SOMCA Plus China)
• The 12th Meeting of the ASEAN Plus Japan Senior Officials on Culture and the Arts (SOMCA Plus Japan)
• The 12th Meeting of the ASEAN Plus Republic of Korea Senior Officials on Culture and the Arts (SOMCA Plus ROK)
• The 7th ASEAN–Korea Working Committee Meeting on Cultural Heritage Cooperation (AKCHC)

Sabah was chosen as the host in recognition of its UNESCO Triple Crown status, encompassing a World Heritage Site, a Global Geopark, and a Biosphere Reserve. Its selection aligns with preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, positioning Sabah as a key cultural and eco-tourism destination. Hosting SOMCA in Kota Kinabalu enabled ASEAN delegates to experience Sabah’s unique cultural landscape, highlighting East Malaysia as a premier attraction for visitors.

The meeting was officiated by the Honourable Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia. Datuk Khairul Firdaus highlighted Malaysia’s pride in adopting three major deliverables under its ASEAN Chairmanship: the ASEAN Creative Economy (ACE) Sustainability Framework, the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Strategic Plan (as part of ASEAN Community Vision 2045), and the Melaka Declaration on Cultural Heritage Value Creation. Malaysia also showcased cultural achievements, including hosting the ASEAN–Korea Music Festival (ROUND) 2025 and the Best of ASEAN Performing Arts (BoAPA) 2025, initiatives that strengthened regional unity and youth participation in the arts.

Running concurrently with SOMCA, the Borneo Arts and Crafts Bazaar (18–20 November 2025), organised by the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation, featured traditional handicrafts, textiles, and creative products from artisans across Borneo. Master craft artisans (Adiguru Kraf) demonstrated their skills, allowing delegates to engage directly with these cultural bearers. Held at The Magellan Sutera Resort, the bazaar offered participants a hands-on experience of Sabah’s vibrant creative craftsmanship.

The National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) showcased high-quality cultural performances during working and welcoming dinners with traditional music, dances, and a variety of Sabah’s traditional costumes alongside captivating storytelling. Collaborating closely with local practitioners, JKKN ensured authenticity in every performance, providing delegates with an immersive experience reflecting Malaysia’s diversity, artistic excellence, and dedication to preserving cultural heritage.

The Sabah State Government hosted the Gala Dinner which featured cultural performances, traditional music, indigenous dances, and artistic presentations unique to the state. Delegates engaged with local culture through the curated “Bertemu di Tamu” experience, which displayed handicrafts, textiles, spices, and locally made products, enabling participants to take home authentic Sabah items.

Both dinners featured a special appearance by Unduk Ngadau, Sabah’s iconic cultural figure symbolising beauty, compassion, and the resilience of the Kadazandusun community. This provided ASEAN delegates with a meaningful encounter with Sabah’s indigenous heritage.

To further cultural appreciation, participants visited the Mari Mari Cultural Village, showcasing indigenous crafts and ancestral traditions, and the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, renowned for its pristine islands and biodiversity.

The meetings attracted strong regional and media interest, underscoring Malaysia’s proactive role in heritage cooperation and cultural diplomacy within ASEAN and with dialogue partners. Outcomes achieved are expected to guide continued efforts toward a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cultural ecosystem in the region.

As preparations for Visit Malaysia 2026 continue, Malaysia remains committed to positioning culture and the arts as key pillars of sustainable tourism and the creative economy. Through strengthened ASEAN cooperation, MOTAC aims to showcase Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage, artistic excellence, and warm hospitality on the global stage.