More than 150 members of the local and regional media got a taste of Sarawak's vibrant and multiethnic festivals as well as its culture, adventure, and natural beauty.

The Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) presented a captivating exhibition of Sarawak in all of its facets, including its stunning landscapes and rich and varied cultures. Visitors were able to connect with Sarawak's natural beauty through the immersive skits that were performed by skilled performers in the beautiful Borneo rainforest environment and vivid components.

The event began with a unique performance of Zamil Idris' song "Hijau," which had a powerful message about sustainability that STB heartily supported. The state of Sarawak emphasizes the necessity of responsible tourism in raising public understanding of the value of planetary health.

The wonderful hospitality that Sarawak is famed for was evident when guests arrived and were given a traditional Sarawakian welcome. The atmosphere emanated a sense of authenticity, reflecting Sarawak's dedication to maintaining both its ancient jungle and its rich cultural traditions.

"Sarawak is truly blessed with different landscapes, national parks, and UNESCO sites like the Gunung Mulu National Park," said Puan Sharzede Datu Salleh Askor, chief executive officer of the Sarawak Tourism Board. However, we must take care to preserve our natural resources and beauty. This is our commitment to responsible tourism to safeguard Sarawak's continued beauty as a place to live and travel.

"Sarawak urges everyone to play a role in ensuring that the space they occupy stays clean when they leave," she continued. "We are advocating 'Planetary Health' through 'Responsible Practices' among our people and to our guests. To ensure that our Land prospers and is preserved for future generations, attention should be paid to preserving and improving environmental and social sustainability throughout the entire ecosystem.

The audience was startled when STB presented the Yours Truly Sarawak Awards for the finest articles and coverage for broadcast, print, and online featured since January to recognize the media's role in presenting the Sarawak story. The following entries stood out among the many submitted across various media platforms:

Broadcast – Aksi Nyata Bantu Merawat Bumi di RWMF 2023 Sarawak by KompasTV Pontianak; Print Media – Journeying into the Melanau Kitchen by Intan Maizura Ahmad Kamal, from New Straits Times;

Online Media – Kuching: A Peek into Sarawak’s Heritage by Farid Wahab from Leisurely Leisure.