KUCHING – Sarawak used the PATA Travel Mart 2026 to showcase its natural environment, cultural heritage, food and ethnic diversity through the Soul of Borneo Gala Dinner held in Kuching.
Premier Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, said the state’s close relationship with its natural surroundings had influenced its culture, way of life and approach to economic development.
Speaking at the gala dinner yesterday, he said the connection between people and nature was also reflected in Sarawak’s multicultural society.
“Our culture is deeply connected to nature, and the relationship between humans and nature reflects our harmonious lives, including harmony between various races and ethnic groups,” he said.
The Premier said Borneo, the world’s third-largest island, covers about 740,000 square kilometres, while Sarawak accounts for approximately 124,000 square kilometres. About 62 per cent of Sarawak’s land area consists of forest, according to the figures he cited.
He said the state was continuing efforts to preserve its natural resources while expanding the use of renewable energy, including hydropower, solar and biomass. These initiatives form part of Sarawak’s wider green economy agenda and its response to climate change.
Sarawak’s natural and cultural assets have also received international recognition, including through UNESCO-related recognition for Gunung Mulu National Park and Niah National Park. The state has additionally secured recognition in gastronomy, while the Kuching Delta Geopark has added another dimension to its nature and heritage tourism offering.
Tourism connectivity was another area highlighted at the event, with Sarawak developing hydrogen-powered Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) public transport and establishing AirBorneo. The initiatives are intended to strengthen connections within the state and progressively link Sarawak with key destinations in Asia.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the Soul of Borneo Gala Dinner was designed to present Sarawak through its Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food and Festivals, or CANFF, tourism pillars.
He said the Soul of Borneo concept brought together different elements of the state’s identity through music, storytelling, dance, handicrafts and traditional cuisine. These traditions, he added, continue to be maintained and developed by local artists, cultural practitioners and communities.
The programme featured a performance by Alena Murang, alongside six cultural presentations representing several of Sarawak’s ethnic communities.
The Chinese community was represented through Cai-Cha-Wu, while the Iban presentation featured Ajat Batang Rajang. Orang Ulu traditions were represented by Ule Nugan, Melanau by Alu-Alu, Bidayuh by Langgie Julang and the Malay community by Zapin Sindang.
A live sape performance welcomed delegates on arrival, while Mawat and Maruked featured in the opening segment. The Sarawak Unity Dance was also staged during the evening, bringing together cultural elements from across the state.
The gala dinner brought together delegates and tourism industry representatives attending PATA Travel Mart 2026, providing an opportunity for Sarawak to present its tourism identity through cultural performances and regional tourism initiatives.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew; Sarawak Tourism Board chairman Dato Dennis Ngau; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Morshidi Fredrick; Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) chairman Henry Oh; and Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer Sharzede Datu Salleh Askor.
