THE development principles of the Old Kuching Smart Heritage (OKSHE) initiative and its achievements since its inception will be reviewed and refined for future development.
Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting said Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) is set to further translate the OKSHE practices and framework into the local city character statement for the development of North Kuching City following its mandate to oversee the initiative.
“The OKSHE initiative spearheaded by our government marks a ground-breaking endeavour to rejuvenate Old Kuching into a heritage tourism destination.
“This visionary project stands as a testament to the collaboration between local authorities, private enterprise and various industries,” he said in response to questions from Datuk Ibrahim Baki (GPS-Satok) during the question-and-answer session today.
He said the involvement of non-governmental organisations, media and the local community, together with higher educational institutions and training centres, underscores a collective commitment to the OKSHE mission.
“This initiative is a strategic endeavour to harness both the tangible and intangible heritage assets of Old Kuching by transforming them into unique tourism products and services tailored for both international tourists and domestic visitors,” he added.
Ting explained the OKSHE initiative encompasses Kampung Heritage, Historical Monuments Heritage, Historical Business Heritage and Riverfront Heritage, covering large areas of the city from old Padungan to Kubah Ria.
