Ting Chiew Yew: Sarawak Government Supports Cultural Activities and Encourages Writers to Record Diverse Cultures

(Miri, 14th) Sarawak Deputy Minister of Tourism, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, stated that literature is the spiritual nourishment of the people. Writers should integrate reading with practical experience to create literary works that convey positive energy, injecting optimism and hope into society.

He believes that writers, besides "reading thousands of books" to acquire knowledge, also need to "travel thousands of miles" to accumulate practical experience. By exploring Sarawak and other parts of the world through tourism, delving into rural life, and interacting with different ethnic groups, writers can avoid working in isolation and produce literary works with greater depth and appeal.

Ting Chiew Yew made these remarks in his opening speech at the 3rd Sarawak Chinese Literature Award and the 3rd Xu Ran Novel Award ceremony held by the Miri Writers Association at the Dynasty Hotel today. He congratulated Miri Writers Association on the successful organization of these two meaningful literary events and emphasized the Sarawak government's commitment to the development of literature and culture.

He disclosed that the Sarawak government allocates RM10 million annually to his department for the promotion of tourism, the creative industry, and performing arts. This year, RM9.86 million has been disbursed to support 136 activities. These funds not only support literary activities but also encourage writers to document local Chinese history and diverse cultural stories, preserving Sarawak's cultural characteristics through written form.

He recalled that in recent years, the Miri Writers Association has actively promoted the development of Sarawak Chinese literature and last year organized the 30th-anniversary gala dinner and the 15th Asia Chinese Writers Conference, attracting writers from home and abroad, making Miri a focal point in the international literary scene. This not only showcases Sarawak's rich cultural colors but also opens new horizons for literary promotion in Sarawak.

Ting Chiew Yew mentioned that the establishment of the Sarawak Chinese Literature Award and the Xu Ran Novel Award signifies a new height in Sarawak's literary development. He particularly thanked the family of the late writer Xu Ran for their support and prize sponsorship, which made the establishment of the Xu Ran Novel Award possible.

He stated that the collaboration between the Sarawak government and writing groups provides rare benefits for local literary activities and writers' publishing plans, a support not commonly seen in other states. He hopes that Sarawak writers and groups will cherish this opportunity to create higher-quality works to further enhance Sarawak literature's status on the international literary stage.

He emphasized that Sarawak writers play an important role in showcasing the uniqueness of Sarawak Chinese life and the characteristics of cultural blending and coexistence with other ethnic groups through their works. He encourages writers to use literature to promote cross-ethnic understanding and cross-cultural adaptation, highlighting the harmonious and multicultural values of Sarawak society.

Ting Chiew Yew congratulated Tian Si on winning the 3rd Sarawak Chinese Literature Award and Xu Tongyuan on winning the 3rd Xu Ran Novel Award during his speech. He highly praised the contribution of the judging panel from Singapore and West Malaysia to the development of Sarawak literature, stating that their efforts will be recorded in Sarawak's literary history as an important milestone in the development of Sarawak's literary scene.

He also encouraged writers to cherish the present and pass on traditional Chinese culture in written form to future generations, enriching Sarawak literature with vitality and strength.