APRIL 2025
Balancing Growth And Nature - Sarawak Leads With A Sustainability-Focused Agenda
KUCHING, 24 April 2025 — The 33rd ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council Meeting began today with an official opening ceremony at the Sheraton Hotel, Kuching. The event brought together key regional leaders and stakeholders to strengthen cooperation in tourism, heritage, and cultural development across Southeast Asia.
The ceremony was officiated by the Premier of Sarawak, The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg. In his speech, the Premier highlighted Sarawak’s unique strengths, cultural diversity, and strategic location, which make it a vital player within ASEAN.
He reaffirmed Sarawak’s commitment to supporting the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, which emphasizes deeper social and economic integration, resilience, innovation, and a people-centred approach to development.
“I believe that through Malaysia’s close cooperation within ASEAN, Sarawak will be able to advance and realize the ASEAN Power Grid agenda,” he said, emphasizing the state’s role in regional energy sustainability and connectivity.
The Premier also emphasized that the Sarawak Government’s focus on environmental sustainability is an important part of its cultural heritage preservation efforts, aimed at preparing future generations to protect both their culture and the environment. “Environmental preservation is closely linked to tourism, and it is vital that we protect our natural surroundings,” he said.
Also present at the ceremony were The Honourable Dato’ Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Malaysia; The Honourable Dato’ Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Sarawak; ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council Ministers; representatives from Timor-Leste; His Excellency Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN; and Deputy Ministers from both the federal and Sarawak state governments.
The meeting provided a valuable platform for member states to exchange ideas and strengthen regional cooperation in advancing the ASEAN socio-cultural agenda, reaffirming their commitment to inclusive growth, sustainable development, and cultural understanding throughout the region.