KUCHING: Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and his deputy Datuk Snowdan Lawan visited the BorneoCraft Global 2024 (BCG2024) at Kuching Waterfront today to observe the final preparations for the highly-anticipated event.

Their visit signified the full support for local talents and entrepreneurs participating in the five-day carnival, which kicks off today (Nov 27).

The venue was bustling today, filled with various activity as artisans arranging their traditional crafts, textiles and handmade items at their respective booths, and food vendors preparing their stalls set to offer visitors a rich variety of local delicacies.

The performers could be seen rehearsing for tomorrow’s opening, infusing the air with excitement and anticipation.

The BCG2024 is separated into two tents, with 31 booths at Directory A, and 59 at Directory B.

Speaking to a reporter after the tour, Snowdan expressed his excitement about the exhibition’s potential in effectively promoting cultural tourism and creating a platform for the artisans to expand their network.

“BCG2024 is a platform to showcase our products to the world, as well as for these people who are coming from other countries to showcase theirs too.

“Ultimately, this creates opportunities for networking and business collaborations,” he said.

Snowdan also highlighted key features of the event including conferences, masterclasses, and the engaging MasterCraft Challenge.

“One of the speakers is the world president of the Craft Council who, of course, will talk about the future of the craft industry in the world, how to go about it, all these kinds of things, all products.”

Snowdan added that the MasterCraft Challenge would be open to the local participants for them to showcase their skills and creativity.

“For instance, they may be given one block of wood, and you are given three hours to craft something out of that wood.”

Abdul Karim (sixth left), Snowdan (third left), and Suriya (second left) join some of the BCG2024 vendors in a group photo. — Photo by Roystein Emmor

Meanwhile, Sarawak Craft Council (SCC) manager Suriya Charles Buas revealed plans to compile a comprehensive directory of Sarawak artisans and craftsmen.

The directory, according to him, would include detailed information about artisans, their backgrounds, and product descriptions to facilitate connections between the creators and the buyers.

“The directory is expected to be completed next year, in both hard-copy and soft-copy versions, as well as on the online platform,” he said.

BCG2024 will feature workshops, exhibitions and a bustling marketplace showcasing the spirit of Borneo.