KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg welcomed Sarawak’s songket keringkam nomination for Unesco recognition under the Representative List Convention 2003.
Interviewed by the National Heritage Department at his office at Wisma Bapa Malaysia recently, Abang Johari said the state government saw the songket keringkam as part of Sarawak’s heritage which has a long history from the local community.
“Songket keringkam has the potential to be recognised by the world because of its artistic and cultural values.
“Prior to that, the state government is committed to assisting the keringkam industry and promoting it abroad.
“The Sarawak government has also set up a committee which is ready to channel funds to develop this industry as well as introduce motifs and designs that have indigenous characteristics,” said Abang Johari.
He added that the keringkam industry would continue to be developed by providing training to local keringkam artisans as well as Sarawakians who are keen to venture into the industry.
In addition, the cooperation between Centre of Technical Excellence (Centexs) and Old Kuching Smart Heritage (Okshe) with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) and Institute of Teacher Education (IPG) Tun Abdul Razak Campus would see into providing training to communities and keringkam entrepreneurs in Sarawak.
Meanwhile, Malaysia Arts and Cultural Practitioners Association (PPKSM) Kuching would continue to promote keringkam internationally.
The nomination is an initiative from the National Heritage Department assisted by Kuching PPKSM.
