Kota Kinabalu: The Craft Exotica, organised by the Sabah State Museum Department, is among programmes that promote and raise the State’s craft industry to remain sustainable and competitive at the global level.
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Christina Liew, said the programme, which runs from July 13-21, will directly contribute to Sabah’s economy through collaboration between entrepreneurs, government agencies and private entrepreneurs up to the international level.
“Many interesting activities will be held during the event, including craft-making exhibitions from various tribes in Sabah, crafting workshops and seminars, cultural presentations and traditional games.
“Craft Exotica will expose the importance of creative arts and crafts to various layers of society. Therefore, we will be able to preserve the culture and expose it to the younger generation so that it doesn’t fade with time alongside modernisation.
“I believe this programme is also capable of being an attraction for visitors from inside and abroad to come to the museum and enjoy the unique colours of craftsmanship.
“It is further hoped to be able to provide opportunities for local small entrepreneurs to generate income, especially small time craftsmen, to raise the industry in Sabah,” she said.
Christina said this in her officiating speech at the Craft Exotica programme in conjunction with the Sabah Museum Day 2024.
She added that her Ministry is committed to target more domestic and international tourists to Sabah of which arrivals in 2023 had been very encouraging.
“This just proves that the Sabah is one of the main choice for tourists from domestic and abroad. This at the same time provides good development to the generation of the State’s economy.
“Sabah’s environmental beauty, the diversity of flora and fauna and the uniqueness of culture are the main attractions of the tourism industry.
“Our cultural diversity also displays the various multi-ethnic, multi-national cultural arts and craftsmanship products available,” she said.
