Sarawak Creative Industry Directory maps 3,330 practitioners, strengthen State’s creative ecosystem

Abdul Karim showing the Sarawak Creative Industry Directory after chairing the Sarawak Tourism Steering Committee Meeting at a hotel in Kuching on April 10, 2026.

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, April 10: Sarawak’s creative economy has taken a major step forward with the launch of the Sarawak Creative Industry Directory 1.0, which catalogues and maps 3,330 creative practitioners across the State, providing the most comprehensive overview yet of Sarawak’s diverse creative ecosystem.

Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the directory is designed to strengthen the development of Sarawak’s creative sector by systematically documenting individuals and organisations involved in the industry.

“This is our Sarawak Creative Industry Directory 1.0 aimed at strengthening the development of Sarawak’s creative industry,” he said during the launch at the Sarawak Tourism Steering Committee Meeting held at a hotel here today.

He explained that the directory covers nearly the entire spectrum of the industry, listing 3,330 practitioners with detailed information including names, contact details and professional fields.

“It includes everything related to the industry. It contains their names, contact details, and covers various fields including music, visual arts, performing arts, literary arts, gastronomy, and media production such as film, television, and radio,” he said.

Abdul Karim (centre) and other distinguished guests unveiling the Sarawak Creative Industry Directory 1.0 during Sarawak Tourism Steering Committee Meeting held at a hotel in Kuching on April 10, 2026.

Looking ahead, Abdul Karim said the ministry plans to enhance the directory further by introducing QR code integration for each practitioner, allowing easier access to contact details, services and professional information.

“We plan to improve it further by incorporating QR codes for each individual. This directory will definitely be enhanced over time,” he said, adding that future versions may also transition into a fully digital platform due to the current publication’s bulky format.

He expressed satisfaction with the milestone achieved, describing the directory as more than just a reference book, but a reflection of the strength, diversity and growing importance of Sarawak’s creative community.

According to a media release, the initiative provides a clearer understanding of Sarawak’s creative landscape, which spans musicians, performers, artisans, designers, storytellers, chefs, and digital creators, all of whom contribute to carrying forward Sarawak’s cultural heritage in different forms.

The directory is structured across five key sectors: Creative Arts (1,464), Arts, Culture and Heritage (1,061), Media Production (380), Design (386), and Information Technology (39).

The compilation reflects both the traditional strengths and emerging areas within Sarawak’s creative economy, offering a clearer picture of its breadth and potential.

Beyond documentation, the directory will serve as a strategic tool for policy planning, coordination and industry development.

With better understanding of the ecosystem, it will enable better support by identifying strengths and gaps, connecting people and institutions, designing more targeted programmes, and creating more opportunities for the communities.

The directory is also aimed at improving coordination across agencies and stakeholders, helping align policies, funding and development programmes more effectively. — DayakDaily