KUCHING: Residents of Kuching have been called upon to set their aspirations beyond global benchmarks, with a firm belief that the city should not merely aim to meet international standards—but instead, exceed the levels set by some of the world’s most prominent cities.

Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Prof Dr. Sim Kui Hian, emphasised that Kuching’s status as a city is rapidly advancing thanks to its active participation in various international networks and initiatives.

He added that Kuching has moved beyond its modest beginnings as a small-scale City of Gastronomy.

“We are not just a city working with UNICEF through the Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI), nor are we merely a member of the World Health Organization’s Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities (WHO-AFCC).

“Kuching is no longer seen simply as a ‘city in the Bornean jungle’. We are now on par with internationally recognised cities.

“Therefore, I hope this internationally recognised city of ours will rise above and surpass the standards of other global cities,” he said when officiating the 2025 Kuching Festival Fair (KFF) at the Kuching South City Council’s (MBKS) Floating Theatre on Friday evening.

Datuk Amar Dr. Sim, who is also the Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, further noted that the festival’s organisation is part of the Sarawak Government’s continuous efforts to strengthen the cultural identity of its people.

Meanwhile, MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng announced that one of this year’s festival highlights is the introduction of a Gastronomy Corner, which further cements Kuching’s recognition as a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network under the field of Gastronomy.

The Gastronomy Corner features a variety of culinary offerings from Zhenjiang in Jiangsu Province and Quanzhou in Fujian Province, China, alongside innovative dishes created by winners of the Chef Kuching competition—particularly those who have represented Kuching on national and international platforms.

The event also saw Dato Wee appointed as the Global Gastronomy Promotion Ambassador for Quanzhou by the Quanzhou Municipal People’s Congress, Fujian Province, for a two-year term.

Also present at the event were the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching, Xing Weiping, Sarawak Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Kuching North City Mayor, Dato Hilmy Othman along with other distinguished guests. -UKASnews