KUCHING – The Borneo Cultures Museum (BCM) has placed Sarawak firmly on the global stage after securing the No.1 spot in the Museum World Ranking 2025, surpassing the iconic Louvre Museum in Paris through international online voting.
The achievement was announced during the opening of the Legacy Hill Hotel in Kuching, where Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg described the recognition as a proud moment for Sarawak and Malaysia.
“Alhamdulillah, this museum has been crowned the first Global Museum in the world, and it is hoped that it will be an attraction for the world community to come and visit Sarawak,” he said.
According to the Premier, BCM’s success lies in its unique concept, which goes beyond traditional exhibitions by incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology to create an interactive learning experience.
This innovative approach, he explained, was part of the original vision to establish a museum that could stand apart from conventional institutions worldwide.
Reports show that BCM surged ahead of the Louvre with more than 28,000 votes, while other prestigious museums such as the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico and the National Palace Museum in Taipei trailed behind.
The Premier added that the Sarawak Government is also planning to renovate the Landscape History Museum, located adjacent to BCM, to further enhance Kuching’s appeal as a cultural and tourism hub.
The upgraded facility will feature exhibits on Darwin and Wallace’s theory of evolution, Plato’s philosophy, and Sarawak’s biodiversity heritage.
However, he acknowledged that road connectivity and tourism infrastructure remain challenges in attracting more international visitors. “If the connectivity and tourism chain can be improved to make it easier for tourists to come to Sarawak, it will certainly open up more new opportunities,” he said.
Also present at the event were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan, and Legacy Hill Hotel Managing Director Roger Tiang.
The recognition of BCM as the world’s top-ranked museum not only strengthens its position as a major tourism landmark but also reflects Sarawak’s ability to combine cultural heritage with modern technology to attract global audiences.
With this achievement, Sarawak is expected to see a rise in international tourist arrivals, positioning the state as a leading cultural destination in Southeast Asia.
