KUCHING: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) has ventured beyond being just a regular city council, forging ties with other cities including five Chinese cities, one South Korean city, and one Japanese city.
MBKS mayor Datuk James Chan (pic) highlighted this at the 31st Kuching City Commemoration Day celebration held at Majma’ Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Hall at Jalan P Ramlee here yesterday.
“These friendly relationships with the seven cities have helped to promote Kuching city’s culture, tradition, business prospects and tourism industry,” he elaborated.
“In fact, these cities have been sending their delegations to take part in our annual Kuching Festival,” he revealed.
Chan added that he has been able to showcase Kuching as a model smart and sustainable city in the region on various international platforms such as the International World Health Organisation, United Nation Agencies and Mayors conferences.
“Furthermore, MBKS has successfully linked reputable Chinese schools in Kuching with similar reputable schools in China and South Korea,” he stated, adding that these student exchange programmes have provided students with opportunities to better understand different cultures while gaining experience in a different environment. He believed that this could jumpstart their future.
Touching on festivities organised by the council, Kuching Festival being a key example, Chan emphasised that the hosting of such events has promoted social cohesion and integration.
“Kuching Festival also creates opportunities for the formation of an entrepreneurial spirit among the younger generation, at the same time providing entertainment for the general public and an avenue for exhibitions and sales of products.
“It also displays the vibrancy and beauty of Kuching city to tourists,” he said.
He announced that this year’s festival has attracted about 220,000 visitors since it commenced six nights ago.
Yesterday’s auspicious event was hosted by Kuching North City Hall (DBKU). It was officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Among those present were Abang Johari’s wife Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing, Assistant Ministers Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi and Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, DBKU mayor Datuk Abdul Wahap Abang Julai among others.
