KUCHING: The Kuching International Tattoo Expo has the potential to become a much bigger event in the future.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan said through the expo, tattoos of different ethnicity have been showcased and now is well known by others.
“Sarawak tattoos are very unique. That is our Sarawak identity. And we must showcase it to the world and we are proud of the tattoo design by our Iban people, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu and others.
“I know some of our European friends I met that day, they had Iban tattoos on their body. And I’m very happy they decided to use Iban tattoos on their body. They will bring it around the world and automatically become ambassadors for Sarawak,” he said
He said this at the opening ceremony of the Kuching International Tattoo Expo at Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) hall here on Saturday (Apr 6).
Therefore, Snowdan said the ministry will continue to support the event, which he suggested should be held on a bigger scale next time.
“If you do it bigger, you can use the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK). Maybe you can have an international tattoo conference, tattoo exhibition or world tattoo conference.
“Why not? Because Sarawak now is putting itself on the world map. And that is why this is very important, we want more people to come to Sarawak.
“Of course, today it’s not just about tattoos, at the same time, you are learning about the culture of our Sarawakians,” he said.
The Kuching International Tattoo Expo which ends on Sunday (April 7) boasts participation from 45 tattoo booths.
The expo has gathered local and international tattoo artists as well as local and international tattoo enthusiasts.
