(Kuching, 5th) Kuching South City Council Mayor Dato Huang Hongsheng proposed that Asian Cities of Gastronomy within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network should hold regular meetings to strengthen connections, promote culinary heritage, and drive collaborative projects that benefit all member cities.
He stated that closer cooperation between the cities would help to showcase the richness and diversity of Asian gastronomy while encouraging more tourists to experience each city’s unique culinary traditions and cultural characteristics.
Huang made this suggestion while hosting delegations from Quanzhou, Chaozhou, Chengdu, Macau, Eastern Guangdong in China, and Iloilo in the Philippines. These representatives are currently in Kuching to participate in the 3rd UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) Annual Meeting for Cities of Gastronomy.
“We are honored to welcome our friends. Thank you for accepting the invitation and bringing your chefs, culinary traditions, and unique food cultures to Kuching. Your participation has made this pavilion a truly international gastronomic celebration,” he said, as the delegates toured the UCCN Gastronomy Pavilion near MBKS Jubilee Ground. The visit was held in conjunction with today’s opening of the Kuching Food Festival 2026.
Huang described food as more than sustenance—it reflects the history, culture, and identity of a community.
“Although we come from different countries and cultures, our shared passion for food has united us into one big family,” he said.
He expressed his belief that closer cooperation between Asian Creative Cities of Gastronomy would create more opportunities for exchange of ideas, the preservation of culinary heritage, and the development of projects benefitting all the participating cities.
“Together, we can showcase to the world the richness and diversity of Asian gastronomy and inspire more people to visit our cities, experience our cultures, and appreciate our traditions,” he added.
Huang also thanked all the participating cities for their friendship, support, and commitment to ensuring the success of the UCCN Gastronomy Pavilion.
The delegation was accompanied by Xing Weiping, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching.
Huang made this suggestion while hosting delegations from Quanzhou, Chaozhou, Chengdu, Macau, Eastern Guangdong in China, and Iloilo in the Philippines. These representatives are currently in Kuching to participate in the 3rd UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) Annual Meeting for Cities of Gastronomy.
“We are honored to welcome our friends. Thank you for accepting the invitation and bringing your chefs, culinary traditions, and unique food cultures to Kuching. Your participation has made this pavilion a truly international gastronomic celebration,” he said, as the delegates toured the UCCN Gastronomy Pavilion near MBKS Jubilee Ground. The visit was held in conjunction with today’s opening of the Kuching Food Festival 2026.
Huang described food as more than sustenance—it reflects the history, culture, and identity of a community.
“Although we come from different countries and cultures, our shared passion for food has united us into one big family,” he said.
He expressed his belief that closer cooperation between Asian Creative Cities of Gastronomy would create more opportunities for exchange of ideas, the preservation of culinary heritage, and the development of projects benefitting all the participating cities.
“Together, we can showcase to the world the richness and diversity of Asian gastronomy and inspire more people to visit our cities, experience our cultures, and appreciate our traditions,” he added.
Huang also thanked all the participating cities for their friendship, support, and commitment to ensuring the success of the UCCN Gastronomy Pavilion.
The delegation was accompanied by Xing Weiping, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching.