Kuala Lumpur: The rich arts and cultural heritage of ASEAN countries offer immense potential for further growth, said Malaysia’s Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. He noted that in recent years, ASEAN has progressed not only in economic terms but has also seen a burgeoning appreciation for its arts and cultural heritage.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, this unique heritage has emerged as one of the most promising avenues for driving inclusive growth, creating jobs, empowering local communities, and preserving the grouping’s rich traditions. Tiong highlighted the diverse elements of this heritage, ranging from ancient crafts to contemporary art, indigenous festivals to culinary legacies, and described them as living expressions of the region’s identity and shared history during his speech at the 33rd ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council Meeting opening ceremony.

Tiong emphasized the importance of strengthening cross-border collaborations, curating immersive arts and cultural experiences, and integrating storytelling into tourism strategies to offer something truly unique to the world. He urged for a tourism model that not only attracts visitors but also uplifts the nations’ spirits and sustains the arts and cultural legacies for future generations.

He also spoke about the need for renewed commitment and cooperation to tackle global challenges under the ASCC pillar, which includes public health crises, climate change, sudden shifts in international affairs, and economic disparities and social welfare. The ongoing ASCC Council Meeting, a biannual ministerial-level event, focuses on addressing key socio-cultural issues across the ASEAN region and this year’s meeting, from April 22 to 26, welcomed representatives from the ASEAN fraternity, including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste.