Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Ethnic Cultural Mapping Research Workshop 2026 serves as an important platform for strengthening the research and documentation of the State’s cultural heritage in a more systematic and focused manner.
Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the programme serves as a catalyst for the implementation of more organised cultural research, involving various stakeholders, including ethnic associations and researchers.
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“To date, a total of 23 ethnic studies have been carried out since 2024, while eight additional ethnic groups will be continued this year as a continuation of efforts to document the State’s cultural diversity,” he said at the Sabah Ethnic Cultural Mapping 2026 launching and workshop closing ceremony here, recently.
His speech text was read by his Ministry’s Deputy Permanent Secretary II Datin Dr Cleopatra @ Clare Asing.
Jafry said Sabah, which possesses 35 ethnic groups and 217 sub-ethnic groups, requires a comprehensive documentation approach to ensure that every cultural heritage is accurately recorded for the reference of future generations.
He noted that the execution of the cultural mapping project has produced 31 ethnic cultural inventories covering 18 cultural aspects, thereby strengthening the State’s cultural heritage records to be utilised by various parties, including the government, researchers, students and tourists.
“This inventory information will also be used to support the implementation of cultural conservation and empowerment programmes, in line with the effort to protect intangible cultural heritage,” he said.
The organisation of the workshop reflects the State Government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that Sabah’s cultural heritage continues to be preserved, documented and passed down to future generations.
The one-day workshop, organised by Sabah Cultural Board (LKNS), brought together 112 participants comprising ethnic associations, researchers, as well as representatives from various government agencies and stakeholders.
The programme also provided exposure and refined cultural research and writing techniques to ensure they align with established criteria, in addition to coordinating the implementation of fieldwork more effectively.
Also present were LKNS General Manager Mickey Apison, senior ministry officials and representatives from government agencies and ethnic associations involved in the programme.
