KUCHING: The upcoming Borneo Tuak Festival 2026 will strengthen Sarawak’s tourism appeal by showcasing its unique cultural heritage while generating economic opportunities for rural communities, indigenous entrepreneurs, artisans and local food producers.
The festival is held under the Borneo Rice & Gastronomy Festival 2026, highlighting efforts to position Sarawak as a destination for authentic cultural and gastronomic experiences.
Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, said the festival is more than a celebration of tuak, describing it as a platform to preserve Sarawak’s cultural identity and strengthen community development.
“It is about creating opportunities for rural communities, for our native entrepreneurs, for food producers, for artisans, and for cultural practitioners to share their stories and traditions with the world,” he said at a press conference for the event here on Friday (June 26).
The idea for the festival, he said, was inspired by his visit to China’s Qingdao International Beer Festival several years ago, where he witnessed how a signature event successfully promoted local products, culture and tourism.
“Today, I am happy to see that idea becoming a reality through the Borneo Tuak Festival,” he added.
Ting said the initiative has already delivered encouraging results, with many brewers upgrading the quality, packaging and branding of their products.
“Many have upgraded to professionally packaged glass bottles, with improved quality and branding, allowing them to command higher prices,” he shared.
He added that the festival also creates direct income opportunities for rural communities, indigenous entrepreneurs, artisans and food producers while providing a platform for elders and cultural practitioners to pass traditional knowledge to younger generations.
“People do not travel halfway around the world to experience something they can find anywhere else. They travel to experience something unique and authentic,” he said, adding that authentic cultural experiences are what make Sarawak a distinctive tourism destination.
The Borneo Rice & Gastronomy Festival 2026 and its flagship Borneo Tuak Festival will be held from July 17 to 19 at 11 Ridgeway Kuching, opposite the UNIFOR Complex.
Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, said the festival is more than a celebration of tuak, describing it as a platform to preserve Sarawak’s cultural identity and strengthen community development.
“It is about creating opportunities for rural communities, for our native entrepreneurs, for food producers, for artisans, and for cultural practitioners to share their stories and traditions with the world,” he said at a press conference for the event here on Friday (June 26).
The idea for the festival, he said, was inspired by his visit to China’s Qingdao International Beer Festival several years ago, where he witnessed how a signature event successfully promoted local products, culture and tourism.
“Today, I am happy to see that idea becoming a reality through the Borneo Tuak Festival,” he added.
Ting said the initiative has already delivered encouraging results, with many brewers upgrading the quality, packaging and branding of their products.
“Many have upgraded to professionally packaged glass bottles, with improved quality and branding, allowing them to command higher prices,” he shared.
He added that the festival also creates direct income opportunities for rural communities, indigenous entrepreneurs, artisans and food producers while providing a platform for elders and cultural practitioners to pass traditional knowledge to younger generations.
“People do not travel halfway around the world to experience something they can find anywhere else. They travel to experience something unique and authentic,” he said, adding that authentic cultural experiences are what make Sarawak a distinctive tourism destination.
The Borneo Rice & Gastronomy Festival 2026 and its flagship Borneo Tuak Festival will be held from July 17 to 19 at 11 Ridgeway Kuching, opposite the UNIFOR Complex.