ENGAGEMENT SESSION WITH BUDDHIST AND TAO (NO. 1/2026)
ENGAGEMENT SESSION WITH BUDDHIST AND TAO (NO. 1/2026)
17 April 2026, (Friday)
10.00 am – 2.00 pm
Grand Margherita Hotel, Kuching
The Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) successfully organised its third stakeholder engagement session for 2026 today, bringing together leaders from the Federation of Buddhist Associations Sarawak and the Federation of Sarawak Temple Associations. While this marks the third engagement under UNIFOR’s annual outreach programme, it is the first session this year dedicated specifically to Buddhist and Taoist leaders.
The session was chaired by Yang Berbahagia Dato Georgina Apphia Ngau, Director of UNIFOR, and was honoured by the presence of Yang Berbahagia Datuk Tay Chin Kin, Chairman of the Federation of Buddhist Associations Sarawak, and Yang Berbahagia Dato Sri Richard Wee, President of the Federation of Sarawak Temple Associations. The session was further enriched by the participation of temple leaders, committee members, and community representatives, reflecting a strong spirit of collaboration and unity.
This strategic engagement focused on strengthening partnerships between the government and religious institutions. Through direct dialogue with grassroots leaders, UNIFOR gained valuable insights into the current needs, organisational structures, and key challenges faced by Buddhist and Taoist temples across Sarawak.
A key highlight of the session was the introduction of UNIFOR’s initiative to develop a comprehensive and up-to-date database of houses of worship for other religions. This digital repository will include detailed temple profiles, registration information, and management structures, enabling more efficient coordination and enhanced information sharing.
The session also emphasised the importance of prudent fund management. UNIFOR reaffirmed that all approved assistance must be guided by the principles of integrity, transparency, and accountability. Upholding these standards is essential to ensure sustainability and to strengthen public trust and confidence.
Moving forward, UNIFOR remains committed to supporting religious diversity and inclusivity in Sarawak. Efforts to enhance data management systems will continue, alongside encouraging active participation from all houses of worship to ensure that community voices remain at the heart of Sarawak’s development.
