Sarawak Museum Department honours excellent service, retirees at 2026 Appreciation Dinner
KUCHING, 21 September 2026: The Sarawak Museum Department (JMS) held its 2026 Appreciation Dinner at the Pullman Hotel in Kuching last night, acknowledging the collective efforts of all JMS staff for the past year while honouring the recipients of the Anugerah Perkhidmatan Cemerlang (APC) for their excellent service.
Graced by the Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Deputy Minister for Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Senator Dato Ahmad bin Dato’ Sri Hj Ibrahim and Sarawak Museum Department Director, Anielia ak Siam, the evening celebrates the department as a whole, from the top management, curatorial officers, researchers and conservators to operational supports, technical and security officers.
“The success of a department is not measured solely by the grandeur of its buildings or the sophistication of its exhibition galleries; rather, it hinges on the strength of its integrity, its capacity for innovation and the cohesion of its human capital. You are not only important guardians of Sarawak’s art, history and heritage, but are the key driving forces behind the scenes, who ensure that the state’s treasures are preserved in accordance to ethical principles and international standards,” said Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim in his keynote address.
In his speech, the minister also reiterated the importance of the museum, as far more than a repository for ancient artifacts or historical treasures but as a guardian of Sarawak’s identity and soul, ambassador of cultural diplomacy and high-impact centres for education and tourism.
“Over the past year, we have witnessed the department’s active efforts to strengthen various initiatives spanning education, promotion and continuous community engagement, including the inauguration of the Brooke Dockyard Industrial Heritage Museum, the Educational Symposium on Leadership, Advanced Skills and Understanding Heritage for Economic Resilience, the establishment of Sarawak Heritage Working Committees, JMS’ participation at the Borneo Tuak Festival and Jom Heboh Carnival and the latest, the ‘Kembara Jelajah Kubu: Meneroka Warisan dan Sejarah’ programme which aims to provide historical insights on forts across the state,” he said, also commending the museum’s future events, including its participation in the 22nd International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) General Assembly and Scientific Symposium in October, the hosting of Sarawak Heritage Conference 2026 in November, and a special exhibition titled ‘Donated Legacy: Building Collections’ at the Borneo Cultures Museum from November 2026 to February 2027.
“Alongside today’s celebration of excellence, let us all respectfully acknowledge the contributions of this year’s honoured retirees. Your efforts, hard work and dedication which you have poured selflessly into your service form the solid foundation of our achievements today. May your retirement be blessed with good health and enduring well-being,” concluded the minister.
