Snowdan (second left) presents a memento to Naz, as Then (second right) and Yasmin (left) look on. – Sarawak Public Communications Unit photo
KUCHING (June 17): The United Kingdom remains committed to strengthening strategic cooperation with Malaysia, particularly Sarawak, and countries across the Asean region in trade, investment and tourism, said UK Trade Envoy to Indonesia and Asean Naz Shah.
She said Asean continues to be an important region for the UK and that efforts to enhance existing partnerships would remain a priority.
“We want to strengthen our relationship with Malaysia and the entire Asean region.
“This region is very important to the UK and we are committed to continuing to enhance our ties and cooperation with countries across the region,” she said, according to a Sarawak Public Communications Unit report.
Naz said this after visiting the Borneo Cultures Museum (BCM) here on Tuesday, accompanied by Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan and senior ministry officials.
Also present were Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre chief executive officer Prof Dr Patrick Then and museum curator Yasmin Khalid Nicholls.
Naz said Sarawak possesses significant potential as an international cultural tourism destination, citing its rich heritage, cultural diversity and unique natural environment.
She said her first visit to Sarawak had given her a fresh perspective on the state’s vast potential in culture, heritage and nature-based tourism.
“Borneo’s unique beauty and Sarawak’s cultural diversity are valuable assets capable of attracting more international visitors, particularly from the UK.
“This has been an incredibly meaningful experience, and I want to share it with people in the UK so that more people can learn about and appreciate what Sarawak has to offer,” she said.
Naz added that greater international exposure of Sarawak’s unique attractions could help boost interest among foreign tourists, contributing to the growth of the tourism sector and local economy.
On BCM, she described the museum as a world-class institution that successfully showcases the cultural richness of Sarawak and Borneo to both local and international audiences.
She said the museum not only highlights the history and heritage of Sarawak’s communities but also serves as an important platform for introducing the state’s identity and cultural diversity to the world.
“This museum truly reflects the culture of this country, the culture of Sarawak and the culture of this region.
“What is displayed here is remarkable and provides a deeper understanding of the people and heritage of Sarawak,” she said.
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