KUCHING: A special committee, the Sarawak Creative Industry Committee (SCIC) has been set up with the aim to chart the future direction of the creative industries.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts and chairman of the committee, Datuk Snowdan Lawan said the formation of the committee was announced by Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah during the recent Sarawak Tourism Steering Committee meeting on March 11.
“Today, the newly formed committee is having our first meeting and following the formation of the new creative industry and performing arts portfolio, it is important in shaping the future of Sarawak’s creative industries.
“The committee will get input and feedback from the various creative industry players as we aim to steer, shape, and identify strategic directions for Sarawak’s creative industries.”
He said this at a press conference before chairing the SCIC meeting at Waterfront Hotel on Friday (May 3).
Snowdan added that in Indonesia, creative industries have contributed billions to the country’s economy.
“Thus, with our committee, we want to make sure we are on the right track so that the creative industries in the state will be further expanded,” he said, adding that feedback and proposals will be compiled and proposed to the Ministry.
He said the state has identified five major categories with 19 sub-categories of the creative industry, with the five main categories namely Creative Arts; Arts and Culture and Heritage; Media Production; Design; and Information Technology, and each comprising sub-category.
“There are many creative talents in the state and it was important to provide them a platform to showcase talent and have access to funding such as the ‘Arts, Culture and Heritage Facilitation Fund’, where RM10mil is allocated by the Ministry yearly.”
With the fund available, Snowdan also called upon production houses to embark on documentary projects spotlighting the rich cultural heritage of Sarawak.
“Malaysia’s animation series Upin & Ipin is really famous in Indonesia. Thus, our local creators too can explore innovative ideas, maybe create an animation about Dayak Iban warrior Rentap and transform them into marketable products.”
Earlier, the meeting was attended by 70 individuals comprising creative industry players, non-governmental organisations, and government agencies.
