KUCHING – Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Hajjah Fauziah Mohd Sanusi received a courtesy visit from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) on 18 June, as preparations intensify for the upcoming International Conference of Applied and Creative Arts (ICACA) 2026. The meeting took place at Astana Sarawak’s Small Reception Room.
The delegation was led by UNIMAS Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit, accompanied by senior academics and organisers of ICACA 2026.
Among them were Dr Louis Ringah Kanyan, Dean of the Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts; Dr Laura Prati, Conference Chair; Dr Mawar Suhaila and Dr Jong Sze Hoon, Deputy Chairs; and Ms Nurul Hikmah Begum, a member of the protocol committee.
The purpose of the visit was to formally present an invitation to Toh Puan to officiate the 8th edition of ICACA, scheduled for 23 September 2026 at UNIMAS.
The biennial conference has become a recognised platform for advancing creative arts scholarship and fostering collaboration between academics, practitioners, and cultural advocates.
During the meeting, Toh Puan expressed appreciation for UNIMAS’ commitment to strengthening academic excellence and promoting conservation, innovation, and development in the arts.
She emphasised the importance of sustaining these efforts to preserve and document cultural heritage, ensuring it remains a valuable source of knowledge for future generations.
She also highlighted the need for broader community involvement in ICACA, particularly from adiguru figures, art activists, and custodians of local traditions.
Their participation, she noted, would enrich academic discussions, encourage knowledge transfer, and build stronger networks between universities, artists, and communities.
The governor’s consort further stressed that creative arts and cultural heritage are integral to shaping a society with a strong identity and knowledge base.
She encouraged UNIMAS to continue expanding the scope of ICACA to ensure inclusivity and relevance at both national and international levels.
Toh Puan expressed gratitude for the invitation and conveyed her hopes that ICACA 2026 would achieve its objectives.
She prayed that the conference would remain a vital platform for advancing creative arts, cultural preservation, and academic scholarship.
ICACA, first held in 2010, has grown into a significant event in Malaysia’s academic calendar, drawing participants from across Asia and beyond.
The 2026 edition is expected to feature diverse presentations, workshops, and exhibitions, reflecting the evolving role of creative arts in education, innovation, and cultural sustainability.
The courtesy visit underscored the close relationship between UNIMAS and Sarawak’s leadership, reaffirming the state’s commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen cultural identity and academic excellence.
