RAYS 2026, the third edition of the Rainforest Youth Summit, was organised by the State  Government of Sarawak and Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), endorsed by the Ministry of Tourism,  Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP), and supported by the Ministry of Youth,  Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak (MYSED).

Held in Kuching from 24 to 26 June  2026, the summit convened delegates, speakers and partners from across ASEAN and beyond. 

Hosted in Sarawak, one of the world’s most ecologically significant rainforest regions, RAYS  situates climate and sustainability dialogue within the realities of living landscapes, communities and cultures. 

Held under the summit theme, Youth: Many Ways, One Planet, the forum created a space for young people to move beyond discussion and contribute to shared priorities in climate action, sustainability, governance, and collective responsibility. 

As the first initiative of its kind at RAYS, the Planet Futures Forum was introduced not as a standalone summit activity, but as the foundation for a continuing youth-led platform that carries discussions, priorities and recommendations beyond the summit. 

Guided by the principle of Two-Eyed Seeing, the forum brought together indigenous wisdom alongside Western knowledge systems and practices, recognising that meaningful and lasting solutions require diverse perspectives, lived experiences and ways of knowing. 

The discussions were organised around three key thematic areas: 

• Ways of Knowing  

• Living with the Earth  

• Power & Responsibility  

Supported by the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health as Knowledge Partners, delegates developed and refined recommendations that were relevant, evidence-informed and grounded in the realities faced by communities and young people today. 

The forum resulted in the selection of nine priority recommendations across the three thematic areas. These recommendations were subsequently presented during the Declaration Congress,  where delegates endorsed the Preliminary RAYS Youth Declaration 2026. 

The endorsement marked a significant outcome of RAYS 2026, reflecting a shared commitment among delegates to carry forward youth priorities into future conversations on climate,  sustainability and community action.

Throughout the forum, delegates were supported by Knowledge Holders and Allies, including YB  Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Sarawak; Dr Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Tourism Board;  as well as RAYS speakers including Diwigdi Valiente, Dr Dzaeman Dzulkifli and others who contributed perspectives from governance, conservation, indigenous leadership and environmental practice. 

Closing the session, YB Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu underscored that the Preliminary RAYS Youth Declaration represents the beginning of a longer journey. He encouraged delegates to continue strengthening the document through consultation, dialogue, and collective ownership, with the aspiration that it would inform future action and decision-making. 

The Planet Futures Forum is intended to continue beyond RAYS 2026. Following the summit, the  Preliminary RAYS Youth Declaration will undergo further consultation through a region-wide survey, giving young people beyond the RAYS community the opportunity to share their perspectives and strengthen the recommendations. 

The feedback gathered will contribute towards the development and publication of the Final RAYS  Youth Declaration. This will ensure that the priorities identified during the forum continue to evolve through wider youth participation, dialogue and collective ownership. 

In this way, the Planet Futures Forum establishes a longer-term pathway for youth voices to inform future dialogue and meaningful action. It reflects the belief that a more sustainable future cannot be shaped by one generation, sector or knowledge system alone, but through many voices, many ways of knowing and one shared Planet. 

(Source: Your Stories — Sarawak Tourism Board)

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Held from 26 to 28 June 2026 under the theme “Regenerations: Roots & Rhythms,” RWMF 2026  brought together more than 200 performers from 13 countries. While the festival continued to showcase its scale as one of Southeast Asia’s most distinctive world music festivals, this year’s closing story was carried powerfully by the voices of its headliners: Incognito, The Commodores featuring Thomas McClary, and our own Nusantara Icon, Dato M Nasir. All reflected on Sarawak, heritage, live performance, and the role of human creativity in an age increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. 

For YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, RWMF’s continued relevance lies in its being built on Sarawak’s real cultural identity. 

“RWMF began with only about 300 people celebrating the sape, but today it is known all over the world. Wherever we go, whether to ITB Berlin, WTM London, or other tourism platforms, people recognise Sarawak through the Rainforest World Music Festival. This is because Sarawak is very proud of its heritage, culture and traditions. With 34 ethnic groups, each with their own music, food,  lifestyle and identity, we have something real to preserve, promote and share with the world,” said  YB Dato Sri Abdul Karim. 

He added that the festival’s strength also lies in Sarawak’s continued protection and celebration of all communities, including smaller ethnic groups, while giving traditional music and cultural expressions a platform to be seen and heard by international audiences. 

This spirit was strongly reflected throughout RWMF 2026, where artistes not only arrived in  Sarawak to perform but also to experience the place, people and sounds that have shaped the festival’s identity for nearly three decades. 

Closing night headliner Incognito brought the festival to a soulful finale, uniting thousands of festivalgoers under the rainforest canopy with their signature blend of jazz, funk, soul, and global grooves. Their set closed RWMF 2026 with the kind of energy that has long defined the festival:  celebratory, open-hearted and deeply communal.

Beyond the stage, members of Incognito shared that they loved experiencing rain in the Rainforest ahead of the concert and seeing the wildlife firsthand, which made the setting feel especially real and memorable. They also spoke of their curiosity to experience more of Sarawak, from its food and local attire to its wildlife, including proboscis monkeys and orangutans. 

One of the most meaningful moments they shared was hearing the sape on the festival’s opening day. Describing it as a beautiful and memorable sound, they expressed how deeply it stayed with them- the kind of musical encounter that reflects RWMF’s greatest strength: creating space for international artists to discover Sarawak’s traditional sounds as part of a living, shared musical conversation. 

For The Commodores featuring Thomas McClary, RWMF 2026’s theme “Regenerations: Roots &  Rhythms” resonated strongly with the idea of music moving across generations. 

McClary reflected that younger musicians continue to draw inspiration from earlier sounds while creating their own identities, describing this intergenerational exchange as part of what keeps music alive. 

“It is the younger generation that is going to take music to that next level. It is inspiring to know that they have not only embraced that, but they have taken that mantle and created their own original sound and utilised the influence from the old sounds,” McClary said during the festival’s Meet & Greet session with the media. 

He added that the beauty of music lies in this meeting between generations, where nostalgic sounds continue to carry forward while allowing new voices to emerge. For a group whose music has travelled across decades and continents, The Commodores’ presence at RWMF reinforced the festival’s role as a place where legacy and discovery can coexist. 

McClary also expressed appreciation for performing at RWMF, describing it as an honour to be among people who share a deep love for music. 

“It is an honour to be here. Coming here and being among all of the natives here, and the love and compassion that you have for music, we really appreciate that very, very much,” he said. 

Opening night headliner Dato’ M. Nasir also brought a reflective Malaysian voice to RWMF 2026,  particularly through his comments on artificial intelligence and the future of music creation. Speaking during the festival’s media session, he described AI as a tool that may assist the creative process,  while noting that its full impact on songwriting, lyrics and artistic authorship remains an ongoing discussion. 

He added that, much like digital technology before it, AI is expected to influence the landscape of music creation. However, his reflections also pointed to a deeper question facing artists today: how technology can be used without replacing the thought, discipline, instinct and lived experience that shape meaningful creative work. 

As RWMF looks towards its 30^th edition, it is also time to reflect on the role of AI in music. AI is a valuable tool, but it should support, not replace, human creativity, cultural memory and artistic integrity. Many musicians continue to favour authentic creation over AI-generated content, 

recognising that audiences value sincerity and originality. At the same time, we must be mindful of  AI’s growing environmental footprint and energy demands. RWMF can become a platform for meaningful dialogue on using AI wisely, ethically and sustainably, while reaffirming that the heart of music will always be human. 

This made RWMF 2026 especially relevant within today’s creative landscape. At a festival grounded in live performance, traditional instruments, cultural memory, and direct exchange between artists and audiences, the conversation around AI was not treated as a rejection of technology but as a reminder that human creativity must remain at the centre of music. 

Beyond its headliners, RWMF 2026 continued to offer a wide-ranging festival experience through performances, workshops, cultural showcases, wellness activities, community experiences and family-friendly programmes set against the iconic backdrop of Mount Santubong. Over three days, audiences encountered a diverse range of musical expressions, from Afro-fusion, Basque folk, and Thai contemporary fusion to Nusantara traditions, funk, soul, and Indigenous Bornean sounds. 

Sustainability remained a key pillar of RWMF 2026, not as a separate campaign, but as part of the festival’s responsibility to the rainforest setting that gives it its identity. The festival continued implementing the ISO 20121 Event Sustainability Management System, with key initiatives including Green Ruai, the Green Warriors Waste Management Programme, structured waste segregation and recycling systems, EcoStations across the festival grounds, and the EcoGreen Planet Tree Planting Initiative. 

Through EcoGreen Planet, in collaboration with Sarawak Forestry Corporation, more than 6,000  trees have been planted across Sarawak since 2023. This year’s festival also supports further tree-planting efforts, with a target of 3,800 trees towards the broader goal of 10,000 trees. 

These efforts reflect RWMF’s continued commitment to ensuring that the festival’s environmental responsibility extends beyond the three festival days. 

As the final performances concluded and festivalgoers departed the Sarawak Cultural Village,  RWMF 2026 closed with a message that went beyond music. Through its headliners, performers,  workshops, cultural encounters and sustainability efforts, the festival showed that music remains most powerful when it is human, rooted, shared and alive. 

More than a festival, RWMF continues to strengthen Sarawak’s position as the Gateway to Borneo and a global meeting point where culture, nature, creativity and community converge. It remains a space where the world comes to Sarawak, and where Sarawak’s stories, sounds and spirit continue to travel outward. 

The Rainforest World Music Festival will return for its milestone 30th edition from 25 to 27 June 2027  under the theme “Legacy. Revolution Inspired.” As RWMF looks ahead to this landmark edition, the close of its 29^th edition serves as a powerful reminder of the festival’s enduring legacy, one that continues to celebrate cultural roots, inspire new generations and carry Sarawak’s music, stories, and spirit to the world. 

For more information on Sarawak, visit: www.sarawaktourism.com 

(Source: Your Stories — Sarawak Tourism Board)

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The opening day was marked by a walkabout by YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, who visited key festival activations across the Sarawak Cultural Village to experience first-hand how RWMF 2026 brings together culture, sustainability, community participation, food, innovation and responsible tourism within one festival setting. 

Held under the theme “Regenerations: Roots & Rhythms,” RWMF 2026 transforms the iconic festival grounds in the foothills of Mount Santubong into a global meeting point where heritage, creativity and cultural exchange come alive through the universal language of music. 

During the walkabout, YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim was briefed on several festival highlights, including Green Ruai, the Rainforest Flavours gastronomy activation at the Global Village Pavilion, food and beverage offerings across the festival grounds, sustainability operations, and community-led experiences designed to enhance the visitor journey throughout the three-day festival. 

A key highlight of the walkabout was Green Ruai, which carries the theme “Roots of Change, Future  of Sustainability.” Located near Rumah Gasing, Green Ruai serves as a dedicated sustainability platform showcasing practical green innovations, community-based initiatives, and environmentally responsible solutions that support the festival’s broader sustainability direction. 

Among the featured showcases is DBKU’s E-Penambang at the Sarawak Cultural Village lake, presenting an environmentally friendly interpretation of Sarawak’s traditional river-transportation heritage. 

The showcase reflects how cultural memory, local identity, and green innovation can be brought together in a way that is both educational and relevant to contemporary sustainability conversations.

Green Ruai also features collaborations and showcases involving renewable energy solutions, solar-powered infrastructure, clean energy systems, community-based sustainability initiatives, eco-friendly products and innovative approaches to waste and resource management. These initiatives reflect RWMF’s continued effort to make sustainability visible, accessible and participatory for festivalgoers. 

Over three days, RWMF 2026 featured a diverse international and regional line-up spanning world music, soul, funk, groove, Nusantara traditions, Afro-fusion, Basque folk, Mongolian and Southeast Asian contemporary sounds. The festival continues to strengthen its reputation as one of Southeast Asia’s most distinctive cultural festival experiences, bringing together artists, audiences and communities in a setting that is uniquely Sarawak. 

The opening day offered festivalgoers an immersive experience beyond the concert stage, with afternoon music workshops, cultural demonstrations, wellness sessions, interactive activities and community engagements taking place across the festival grounds. These activities allowed visitors to connect directly with artists, traditions, and stories from around the world while experiencing the cultural richness of Sarawak and Borneo. 

According to YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, RWMF continues to play an important role in strengthening Sarawak’s global visibility as a cultural tourism destination. 

“For nearly three decades, the Rainforest World Music Festival has shown how culture can bring the world together while strengthening appreciation for heritage, community and sustainability. RWMF is more than a festival. It is one of Sarawak’s strongest international platforms, reflecting who we are as the Gateway to Borneo and demonstrating how culture,  nature and responsible tourism can coexist meaningfully,” he said. 

He added that the festival’s on-the-ground activations demonstrate how Sarawak continues to strengthen responsible tourism through practical, visible initiatives. 

“What we see at RWMF today is not only music and performance, but a wider ecosystem of culture, food, craft, sustainability and community participation. Initiatives such as Green Ruai and the E-Penambang showcase are important because they demonstrate how heritage and innovation can work together. This is the kind of meaningful tourism Sarawak wants to champion, where visitors enjoy the festival while also learning about our culture, environment and way of life,” he said. 

Dr Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, Chief Executive Officer of the Sarawak Tourism Board, said the 2026 theme reflects the festival’s evolution as it approaches its 30th anniversary next year.

“Regenerations: Roots & Rhythms captures the spirit of this year’s festival beautifully. ‘Roots’ reminds us of the cultural heritage, traditions and knowledge passed down through generations. At the same time, ‘Rhythms’ reflects renewal, creativity and the way music continues to evolve through collaboration and contemporary expression,” she said. 

“This year, we see that theme coming alive across the festival through the performances, workshops, cultural storytelling, food, craft, sustainability initiatives and the shared energy of festivalgoers. RWMF continues to show that culture is not static. It is lived, shared, renewed and carried forward,” she added. 

The evening programme culminated in a highly anticipated performance by Malaysian music icon Dato M Nasir, whose poetic storytelling, timeless repertoire and enduring influence in the regional music landscape captivated audiences gathered beneath the rainforest canopy. His performance set the tone for a weekend dedicated to celebrating cultural identity, artistic innovation, and the power of music to transcend borders. 

In addition to the main concerts, festivalgoers can look forward to a full programme of immersive experiences throughout the weekend, including more than 50 workshops and activities across the festival grounds. These include music and dance workshops, artist-led sessions, cultural storytelling, traditional craft demonstrations, wellness activities, family-friendly programmes, cultural performances, and community-led activities. 

The programme also features the BIMP-EAGA and ASEAN Gastronomy Experience through  Rainforest Flavours at the Global Village Pavilion. Curated by the Culinary Heritage and Arts Society Sarawak (CHASS), the activation showcases distinctive regional flavours and shared culinary traditions from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia, including Sarawak. 

Rainforest Flavours highlights heritage ingredients, traditional cooking techniques, local food stories, and authentic food showcases, offering festivalgoers a deeper taste of Sarawak, Borneo, and the wider region. This complements RWMF’s celebration of music, culture and community by positioning food as another important expression of shared heritage. 

Festivalgoers can also enjoy approximately 50 food and beverage vendors across the festival grounds, offering Sarawakian favourites, traditional local cuisine, international street food, Western delights, barbecue specialities, artisanal desserts, tropical fruits, vegetarian selections, festival-style bites and a wide selection of beverages. 

Sustainability remains a core pillar of RWMF 2026, with the festival serving as a live implementation platform for the ISO 20121 Event Sustainability Management System as it progresses towards sustainable event management and responsible tourism development. 

On-the-ground initiatives include Green Ruai, the Green Warriors Waste Management Programme, structured waste segregation and recycling initiatives, nine EcoStations across Damai Sentral and Sarawak Cultural Village, and the EcoGreen Planet Tree Planting Initiative. 

Through EcoGreen Planet, implemented in collaboration with the Sarawak Forestry Corporation, more than 6,000 trees have been planted across Sarawak since 2023, and the programme is on track to plant 10,000 trees this year. These efforts reinforce RWMF’s commitment to reducing environmental impact while encouraging festivalgoers to engage in responsible tourism practices. 

RWMF 2026 is made possible through the strong support of its official partners and sponsors, who continue to play a vital role in strengthening the festival’s global reach, cultural impact and sustainability commitments. 

Malaysia Airlines and Firefly serve as the Official Airline Partners, supporting connectivity and travel access to Sarawak. TV Sarawak (TVS) returns as the Official Broadcast Partner, extending the festival’s reach to audiences across Malaysia and beyond, while Astro Radio, comprising Era FM  Sarawak, Sinar FM, Mix FM and Lite FM, serves as the Official Radio Partner. Rip Curl joins as the Official Apparel Partner, contributing to the festival’s lifestyle and creative expression ecosystem. 

A diverse network of partners across the sustainability, hospitality, beverage, mobility, media, and corporate sectors further supports the festival. These included Cuckoo International (Malaysia)  Sdn Bhd, F&N Marketing Sdn Bhd as Non-Alcoholic Beverage Partner, Plaza Merdeka, The  Waterfront Hotel Kuching, Media Exchange, Avis Budget Malaysia, Carlsberg Marketing Sdn Bhd, Solarvest Borneo Sdn Bhd (Sarawak), PETROS, and Trienekens (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd. 

As RWMF 2026 continued through the weekend, audiences enjoyed world-class performances, cultural discoveries, sustainability showcases, and meaningful encounters that celebrated the diversity of global music while reinforcing Sarawak’s position as the Gateway to Borneo and one of Asia’s most compelling destinations for cultural and sustainable tourism. 

For more information on Sarawak, visit: www.sarawaktourism.com 

(Source: Your Stories — Sarawak Tourism Board)

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Held from 24 to 26 June 2026 under the theme “Youth: Many Ways, One Planet,” RAYS 2026 reinforces Sarawak’s growing role as a regional platform for youth leadership, sustainability dialogue, environmental stewardship and responsible tourism. 

This year’s participation reflects a strong diversity of youth voices from across all 11 ASEAN countries and the wider international community, including new representation from Timor-Leste, alongside delegates from varied disciplines, communities and lived experiences.

The summit builds on the success of its previous editions, which collectively convened youth participants from 37 countries, engaged over 80 organisations and brought together diverse voices across disciplines and regions. In its third edition, RAYS continues to evolve beyond dialogue by strengthening youth participation in climate governance, applied learning and long-term sustainability action.

The opening ceremony was officiated by YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak and Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak. 

In his officiating remarks, he said: “The future cannot be built for youth without youth. RAYS 2026 is a meeting point between youth leadership, environmental stewardship, indigenous knowledge, science, creativity, policy, culture and community, a platform for young people to move from concern to contribution.”

Organised by the Sarawak Tourism Board, RAYS 2026 is designed as a platform for youth, Indigenous leaders, scientists, and changemakers to exchange knowledge and co-create solutions. 

Throughout the three-day programme, delegates will participate in keynote dialogues, plenary sessions, workshops, youth-led discussions, cultural exchanges, networking sessions and curated experiences aimed at translating ideas into practical action.

“RAYS 2026 is more than a three-day summit. It is a pathway for learning, leadership and action, where young people are not only here to receive knowledge, but to bring knowledge, build relationships and carry their commitments forward,” said Dr Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Tourism Board.

A key highlight of this year’s summit is the Planet Futures Forum, a collaborative climate simulation that enables youth to step into the realities of how climate decisions are shaped. Through scenario-based negotiation, systems thinking, and collective decision-making, participants will explore the trade-offs, constraints, and shared responsibilities involved in real-world climate governance. 

The forum is designed to build youth capacity in design thinking, negotiation and collective decision-making, while contributing towards the development of the RAYS Youth Declaration.

The summit will also produce the inaugural RAYS Youth Declaration, capturing the aspirations, commitments and recommendations of young people towards a more sustainable future. The declaration will serve as a reference point for continued youth engagement, reflecting the summit’s commitment to ensuring youth voices are heard beyond the three-day programme.

RAYS 2026 also marks the launch of the RAYS Fellowship Programme, a 12-month leadership journey for selected young leaders focused on collective climate governance and applied action.

Rooted in the principle of “Many Ways, One Planet,” the fellowship will support fellows in practising shared leadership, engaging with Indigenous and local knowledge-holders, contributing to governance proposals, and translating summit dialogue into action through guided monthly learning, applied governance work and collaborative cohort engagement.

Together, the Planet Futures Forum, RAYS Youth Declaration and RAYS Fellowship Programme demonstrate the long-term direction of RAYS as a platform that extends beyond a one-off summit.

They reflect Sarawak’s commitment to nurturing a generation of youth leaders equipped to collaborate across borders, cultures and disciplines while shaping practical solutions for climate resilience, biodiversity protection and sustainable development.

As part of the programme, RAYS delegates will participate in selected cultural and experiential activities linked to Sarawak’s broader cultural and sustainability ecosystem, including curated experiences that showcase the connections among rainforest, community, and culture. 

Delegates will also attend the opening day of the Rainforest World Music Festival 2026, highlighting the intersection of culture, community and conservation.

Funded and organised by the State Government of Sarawak and Sarawak Tourism Board, RAYS 2026 is endorsed by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Sarawak, and supported by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Sarawak, together with strategic partners ASEAN, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), and UN Tourism.

For more information, visit: https://www.sarawaktourism.com/web/home/index/

(Source: Your Stories — Sarawak Tourism Board)

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Held from 5 to 7 June 2026 at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur, MIDE 2026 was themed “Forged by the Ocean — Two Decades of Passion, Purpose and Protection”. The theme united dive industry professionals, marine tourism stakeholders, conservation advocates and travel trade partners to strengthen collaboration and advance regional dive tourism development.

The recognition reflects STB’s continued efforts to elevate Sarawak’s presence in the regional marine and dive tourism sector through a creative and engaging destination showcase. Sarawak’s marine tourism offerings were highlighted through its rich underwater attractions, including the Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park, the pristine waters of Kuching and Sematan, Satang Islands, and historic World War II shipwreck dive sites, all of which continue to form key pillars of Sarawak’s marine tourism portfolio under Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026).

Marine and dive tourism remain an important niche segment for Sarawak as we continue to diversify our tourism offerings and strengthen our presence in key international markets.

Our participation at MIDE 2026 provided valuable opportunities to reconnect with industry stakeholders, reinforce strategic partnerships, and showcase Sarawak’s unique underwater experiences to both trade partners and dive enthusiasts,” said Sarawak Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer, Dr Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor.

STB’s participation at the Sarawak Pavilion, located at Booth A010–A012, successfully showcased the destination under the brand identity “Sarawak – More to Discover”, while serving as a dedicated platform for engagement with both trade partners and dive enthusiasts.

Throughout the three-day expo, the Sarawak Pavilion attracted strong visitor engagement through immersive destination video screenings, visual showcases of Sarawak’s underwater landscapes, and promotional activities designed to sustain visitor interest and highlight the state’s marine tourism offerings. 

The booth’s creative presentation and destination storytelling contributed to STB being recognised with the 3rd Place Best Booth Creative Award at MIDE 2026.

The participation also facilitated meaningful business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) interactions, enabling Sarawak-based dive operators to connect directly with international buyers, travel agents, and dive enthusiasts, while generating new business leads and exploring future collaboration opportunities, including joint promotions and familiarisation (FAM) trips.

STB strengthened its industry engagement through networking sessions with key dive operators and tourism stakeholders, further reinforcing strategic relationships within the marine tourism sector.

The participation at MIDE 2026 further underscores STB’s commitment to sustainable tourism development, highlighting the importance of protecting marine ecosystems while promoting responsible diving experiences that ensure the long-term preservation of Sarawak’s underwater heritage.

Overall, STB’s participation at MIDE 2026 successfully strengthened destination visibility, enhanced industry engagement, earned recognition for creative booth presentation, and reinforced Sarawak’s

positioning as a premier dive destination in Southeast Asia.

For more information, visit: Sarawak Tourism Board. 

(Source: Your Stories — Sarawak Tourism Board)

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The collaboration reflects both parties’ commitment towards strengthening accessibility in Sarawak while supporting broader efforts to position the destination as the Gateway to Borneo. 

The partnership also highlights the growing importance of regional collaboration in supporting tourism growth, improving travel accessibility, and strengthening destination visibility across international markets.

The MoU was signed by Dr Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, Chief Executive Officer of STB, and Yang Mulia Puan Colonel Norsuriati Haji Sharbini, Interim Chief Executive Officer of RB. The signing was witnessed by Dylan Redas Noel, STB Marketing Director of North Asia and New Markets, and Alirahim Haji Abdul Rani, Manager Integrated Marketing of RB, representing STB and RB, respectively.

The ceremony was held in the presence of Dato Dennis Ngau, Chairman of STB, and Song Kai, President of Beijing Longway International Travel, RB General Sales Agent in the People’s Republic of China, as well as tourism industry stakeholders and trade partners in Shanghai.

Dr Sharzede said connectivity continues to play an important role in supporting tourism growth and strengthening how destinations position themselves within the increasingly competitive global travel landscape.

“Strategic collaborations such as this are important in strengthening accessibility, enhancing destination visibility, and creating greater opportunities to encourage travel into Sarawak and the wider Borneo region. As the Gateway to Borneo, connectivity remains an important component in supporting our ongoing tourism growth and international outreach efforts,” she said.

The partnership comes at a strategic time as STB continues to strengthen its tourism engagement efforts across China and North Asia through targeted destination marketing initiatives, trade collaborations, and consumer engagement programmes.

Through this collaboration with RB, both parties will strategically advance tourism promotion initiatives while enhancing seamless travel access into Sarawak. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to elevating Sarawak’s global presence, strengthening regional connectivity, and positioning the destination as a compelling gateway to Borneo’s rich and diverse experiences.

Yang Mulia Puan Colonel Norsuriati binti Haji Sharbini, Interim Chief Executive Officer of RB, noted: “We are pleased to strengthen our collaboration with Sarawak Tourism Board and our valued partners in China, as we continue to build on a long-standing relationship rooted in shared growth and connectivity. China remains a key market for Royal Brunei Airlines and the wider Borneo region, and together we see strong opportunities to position Brunei and Sarawak further as

compelling destinations for travellers seeking authentic cultural, nature, and wellness experiences.

Through our established network and ongoing partnerships, we remain committed to enhancing regional access and welcoming more visitors to discover the richness and diversity of Borneo.”

Separately, STB recently launched its first Campus Roadshow & Student Engagement Programme in collaboration with Qunar at Zhejiang International Studies University in China. The initiative was

aimed at introducing Sarawak to university students and young travellers through interactive tourism showcases and engagement activities highlighting the destination’s culture, adventure, nature, food, and festivals. Together, the MoU with RB and STB’s recent engagement initiatives in China reflect a broader strategy to strengthen Sarawak’s international market presence through connectivity, destination visibility, trade engagement, and consumer outreach. These efforts continue to support Sarawak’s positioning as the Gateway to Borneo while enhancing the destination’s accessibility and appeal across key international markets.

(Source: Your Stories — Sarawak Tourism Board).

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At a time when international tourism markets are navigating shifting travel sentiment, economic pressures, and geopolitical developments, the commitment shown by both public- and private-sector partners reflects the enduring trust placed in RWMF’s cultural relevance, international reputation, and long-term tourism value.

Speaking during the RWMF 2026 Sponsors’ Appreciation Day held last week at Sheraton Hotel Kuching, YB Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Deputy Minister for Tourism Sarawak, representing YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative

Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, said the continued support received for RWMF reflects growing confidence in Sarawak’s tourism direction and the international value of culture-led tourism.

“Festivals such as RWMF do far more than entertain. They shape destination identity, strengthen international visibility, encourage cultural exchange, and create meaningful connections between people and places,” he said.

“Through RWMF, the world not only hears music. The world encounters Sarawak, our rainforest, our traditions, our communities, our hospitality, and our spirit.”

The appreciation event brought together sponsors, strategic partners, media organisations, tourism stakeholders, collaborators, and supporting agencies contributing towards the upcoming 29th edition of the festival.

This year’s sponsorship ecosystem reflects continued industry confidence and collaborative support across multiple sectors, reinforcing RWMF’s role as an established regional platform for cultural exchange, destination visibility, tourism engagement, and international connectivity.

Official partners for RWMF 2026 

Malaysia Airlines and Firefly are the official airlines.

TV Sarawak as the Official Broadcast Partner, Astro Radio comprising Era FM Sarawak, Sinar FM, Mix FM and Lite FM as Official Radio Partners, and Ripcurl as the Official Apparel Partner.

The festival is further strengthened by organisations across the sustainability, hospitality, beverage, media, mobility, and corporate sectors, including Cuckoo International (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, F&N.

Marketing Sdn Bhd as Non-Alcoholic Beverage Partner, Plaza Merdeka & The Waterfront Hotel Kuching, Media Exchange, Avis Budget Malaysia, Carlsberg Marketing Sdn Bhd, Solarvest Borneo Sdn Bhd (Sarawak), PETROS, and Trienekens (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd.

Together, these sponsors, partners, and collaborators play an important role in strengthening RWMF’s reach, experience, and continued growth as one of Sarawak’s key cultural and tourism platforms.

Sarawak Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Dr Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor said RWMF continues to be shaped by the collective commitment of partners, sponsors, media, collaborators, vendors, performers, crew, and tourism stakeholders who contribute to the festival experience.

“One of the most meaningful things about the Rainforest World Music Festival is that no single organisation can build it alone,” she said. “Every edition of RWMF is shaped by people and partners who continue to contribute their time, expertise, resources, creativity, and belief into making the festival what it is today.”

She added that each sponsor and strategic partner contributes to different parts of the visitor journey, from accessibility and hospitality to media visibility, sustainability implementation, mobility, and the overall festival experience.

As part of its ongoing sustainability efforts, RWMF 2026 will continue to implement initiatives such as Green Ruai, Green Warriors, recycling, water refill stations, waste-reduction measures, and eco-conscious festival operations to encourage more responsible festival experiences and visitor behaviour.

RWMF 2026 is expected to feature over 200 performers from multiple countries, building on the festival’s growing international profile as one of the region’s established music and cultural festivals. The festival was also ranked No 8 in the Top 10 category at the Transglobal World Music Chart – Festival Awards 2025.

Taking place under the theme “Regenerations: Roots & Rhythms,” RWMF 2026 continues to highlight the evolving relationship between heritage and contemporary cultural expression while reinforcing Sarawak’s positioning as the Gateway to Borneo.

The Sponsors’ Appreciation Day concluded with sponsor appreciation presentations, a group photo session, and media engagement activities, celebrating the partnerships and collaborations that continue to shape Sarawak’s cultural and tourism landscape ahead of RWMF 2026.

For more information on Sarawak attractions and tourism, visit: Sarawak Tourism Board. 

(Source: Your Stories — Sarawak Tourism Board)

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The Award reflected the sterling excellence behind Sarawak’s tourism growth and international positioning as one of Malaysia’s leading destinations and the “Gateway to Borneo” during Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

Presented during the regional gala ceremony attended by tourism and hospitality leaders from across Asia, the award was received by Sarawak Tourism Board Chairman, YB Dato Dennis Ngau on behalf of the STB.

The Asian Tourism & Hospitality Awards 2025–2026 celebrate excellence, innovation, leadership, and service across Asia’s tourism and hospitality industry. This year’s edition featured more than 250 nominees across Asia and garnered over 100,000 public votes, reflecting the platform’s growing regional credibility and industry significance.

Speaking following the award presentation, YB Dato’ Dennis Ngau described the recognition as a reflection of the collective efforts behind Sarawak’s tourism development and global visibility.

“This award is not only for Sarawak Tourism Board, but for the entire tourism ecosystem in Sarawak — including the State Government, industry players, local communities, tourism stakeholders, media partners and all Sarawakians who continue to contribute to strengthening our tourism industry and to sharing Sarawak with the world.

“Sarawak’s tourism journey has always been guided by authenticity, sustainability, cultural preservation, and meaningful visitor experiences. We are proud that our direction and efforts are being recognised at a regional level. This progress is the result of meticulous planning under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030, which continues to shape the state’s tourism direction and long-term aspirations,” he said.

He added that the recognition further strengthens Sarawak’s commitment towards supporting Malaysia’s tourism aspirations throughout Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

“As Malaysia welcomes the world through Visit Malaysia Year 2026, Sarawak remains committed to strengthening our tourism offerings, expanding international collaborations, improving connectivity, and creating experiences that continue to position Sarawak as a destination rich in culture, nature, adventure, food, and festivals.

Beyond destination promotion, we also aspire for Sarawak to be recognised as a place for meaningful tourism, where culture, sustainability, communities, and global engagement come together,” he added.

Sarawak continues to gain international recognition through its diverse tourism offerings and globally recognised signature events, including the Rainforest World Music Festival and Rainforest Youth Summit, which have helped position the state as a leading platform for cultural exchange, sustainability conversations, youth engagement, and experiential tourism in the region.

As Visit Malaysia Year 2026 continues, Sarawak remains focused on strengthening destination marketing efforts, strategic partnerships, event development, and sustainable tourism initiatives to attract both domestic and international visitors while reinforcing the state’s growing reputation on the global tourism stage.

The Asian Tourism & Hospitality Award was organised by TIN Media, one of Malaysia’s leading independent digital media platforms dedicated to the tourism and hospitality industries. Now in its second edition, the awards were held in conjunction with MAH Hospitality Week 2026 and the Hospitality Suppliers Expo 2026.

(Source: Your Stories — Sarawak Tourism Board)

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As a highly connected tourism gateway with a diverse and globally mobile population, Singapore serves as a strategic platform for engaging travellers already exploring the region, thereby extending Sarawak’s reach beyond a single-source market to a wider pool of international and regional visitors seeking short-haul experiences.

As one of Sarawak’s most vital regional source markets, Singapore recorded a 7.53% year-on-year increase in visitor arrivals in 2025, reflecting sustained demand that supports year-round visitation and repeat travel to the state.

Throughout the fair, held last week, STB highlighted Sarawak’s diverse pillars of Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food, and Festivals (CANFF), alongside collaborations with Singapore-based travel partners offering curated itineraries tailored to evolving traveller preferences.

Rainforest World Music Festival

A central highlight of the showcase was the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2026, presented as one of Sarawak’s defining cultural experiences. Taking place from 26 to 28 June 2026 at the Sarawak Cultural Village, the festival is set to feature an extraordinary lineup of guest performers and artistes:

• 26 June: Malaysian legend Dato M Nasir, renowned for blending traditional Malay elements with contemporary sounds.

• 27 June: Funk and soul icons The Commodores, featuring Thomas McClary, performing timeless hits like Easy and Brick House.

• 28 June: The internationally acclaimed Incognito, led by Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick, is bringing their signature groove-based soul and funk rhythms.

To capture immediate interest in the Singapore market, travellers are encouraged to secure pre-sale tickets, available until 26 June 2026. 

Pre-sale 1-Day Passes are priced at MYR283 for adults and MYR80 for children (ages 3–12), while children below three years old enjoy free entry.

Festivalgoers can secure their tickets through the official festival website at rwmf.net or via the official ticketing platform Ticketmelon (RAINFOREST WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL (RWMF) 2026 – Ticketmelon). 

Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) options are available through digital platforms such as Atome, Grab PayLater, and Shopee PayLater, making it easier for festivalgoers to plan their visit. With over 200 performers from 13 countries, festivalgoers are urged to secure these preferred rates early to enjoy the best value for this award-winning international event.

Beyond event-led tourism, the fair provided a platform to present a holistic view of Sarawak’s heritage and nature-based attractions across the gateways of Kuching, Sibu, and Miri. With seamless direct flight connectivity from Singapore, Sarawak continues to offer an accessible and distinct gateway to the wonders of Borneo.

“Singapore continues to play an important role as a regional gateway, bringing together travellers from across different markets who are seeking deeper and more meaningful experiences. Through platforms such as the Travel Malaysia Fair, we can share what makes Sarawak distinctive, from our cultural diversity to signature events like the Rainforest World Music Festival, while supporting the broader aspirations of Visit Malaysia Year 2026,” said STB CEO Dr Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor.

STB’s participation in the Travel Malaysia Fair is part of its broader efforts to support Visit Malaysia Year 2026, contributing to a broader national narrative that highlights Malaysia’s diversity through experience-led tourism. By foregrounding signature events such as RWMF within regional platforms, Sarawak continues to shape how Malaysia is experienced as a destination defined by culture, nature, and connection.

(Source: Your Stories — Sarawak Tourism Board)

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This final chapter brings together culture, cuisine, and community in an immersive experience that reflects both the platform’s evolution and its next phase.

More than a showcase, Serumpun Sarawak has evolved into a living platform — one that translates Sarawak’s deep food knowledge, indigenous traditions, and biodiversity into a contemporary experiential format. Its return to Kuching marks a point of convergence, bringing together its journey into a cohesive expression rooted in place, reinforcing Sarawak’s culinary identity as a living system shaped by its people, environment, and traditions.

At its core, Serumpun Sarawak is built on collective custodianship, bringing together chefs, indigenous knowledge holders, farmers, producers, artisans, and cultural practitioners under a shared commitment to preserve, interpret, and elevate Sarawak’s food culture.

Drawing from the state’s ecological and cultural knowledge systems — from forest and river ingredients to fermentation practices — the platform presents cuisine not as static heritage, but as a living, evolving practice.

Guided by Chef James Won as custodian, the Serumpun Sarawak kitchen operates as a collaborative space. This finale edition features collaborating chefs John Lim, Laura Sim, and Robbie Balcarek, who work within Sarawak’s ingredient landscape and cultural context.

The emphasis shifts from individual authorship to shared interpretation, contributing to a wider culinary narrative grounded in place.

Set within the living cultural landscape of Sarawak Cultural Village, the experience unfolds as an integrated journey connecting guests to the land, its people, and its stories. 

It begins with a curated exhibition featuring artisans, producers, and cultural practitioners, offering insight into the ecosystem behind Sarawak’s cuisine, before transitioning into a multi-course gastronomic experience where each dish reflects the depth of Sarawak’s biodiversity and cultural memory.

Guided by a hyperlocal philosophy, ingredients are sourced from forests, rivers, and farms, shaped by indigenous knowledge and practices, with each course accompanied by storytelling that reveals the origins, science, and cultural significance behind the ingredients.

Together, the dining and exhibition form what Serumpun Sarawak describes as a living archive, where culture is not simply displayed, but actively practised, shared, and continuously evolved, reinforcing the idea that cuisine does not exist in isolation, but is the result of communities, landscapes, and generations of knowledge working together.

A defining principle of Serumpun Sarawak is its emphasis on shared ownership.

While Chef James Won leads its curation, the platform is intentionally built as a collective movement, ensuring that Multiple voices and perspectives across communities and generations carry forward Sarawak’s food culture.

While this finale marks the culmination of Serumpun Sarawak as a travelling platform, it also signals the beginning of its next phase.

Through mentorship, training, and collaboration, the platform aims to inspire and nurture a new generation of chefs to engage more deeply with Sarawak’s ingredient landscape, encouraging exploration, thoughtful interpretation, and the continued elevation of local produce within contemporary cuisine. 

The introduction of its mentee initiative reflects this commitment to continuity, forming part of a broader ecosystem that supports knowledge transfer and long-term development, while ensuring that the platform’s impact extends beyond the experience itself.

This direction is further strengthened by Sarawak’s broader efforts in gastronomy development, including the completion of the Sarawak Gastronomy Centre, which will serve as a dedicated platform to showcase, study, and elevate the state’s culinary identity while supporting the development of future culinary talent.

As Serumpun Sarawak concludes this chapter in Kuching, it stands not only as a culmination but as a foundation for what comes next, positioning cuisine as a means of preserving heritage, sustaining biodiversity, and shaping Sarawak’s evolving cultural narrative.

(Source: Your Stories — Sarawak Tourism Board)

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