Chan Chao Yao Hopes Hawkers Inherit Traditional Skills and Embrace Digitalization

(Miri, 2nd) Sarawak Deputy Minister of Tourism and Piasau State Assemblyman, Dato Chan Chao Yao, pointed out that the hawker community plays an important role in promoting Miri’s tourism industry and local economic development. Local traditional cuisine and culture are also attractive elements for tourists. He hopes hawker friends will continue to preserve traditional skills while keeping up with the times and embracing digital transformation.

He was originally scheduled to attend the Miri Hawkers' Association’s 2026 Annual General Meeting and Dato Chan Chao Yao Law Firm Members' Children Academic Excellence Awards Night at Golden Jubilee Restaurant last night and deliver a speech. However, due to an urgent official meeting in Kuching, he was unable to attend. His speech was delivered on his behalf by Miri Mayor, Madam Yii Siew San.

Chan Chao Yao expressed his gratification to see many hawkers holding steadfast to traditional skills, passing on Miri’s traditional cuisine and culture with their craftsmanship, allowing more people to get to know and fall in love with authentic local flavors.

He emphasized that hawker culture is not only a local characteristic but also a key driving force for tourism development. It should continue to be preserved, and at the same time, young generations should be encouraged to inject innovative elements when taking over, so that tradition and modernity can combine and continue to develop.

Chan also mentioned that although the hawker profession is a traditional industry, many operators have begun to transform and upgrade. The Sarawak government has promoted conveniences such as electronic payment, encouraging hawkers to learn to use e-wallets and electronic transfers, to connect with the digital era and improve operational efficiency.

In addition, he said, the Municipal Council will periodically hold "Meet the People" Days, allowing operators to express problems and needs, with relevant units recording and following up, to continuously improve community environment and facilities.

He also hopes that, in the future, national-level hawker activities, or even a "Hawkers' Day," can be held in Miri, making Miri an important city to showcase the spirit and skills of hawkers, and further promote the contribution of the hawker community to society and tourism.