MARCH 2 —Malaysia has a rich and diverse cultural heritage that spans centuries. The country's traditional arts and crafts, music, dance, literature, and cuisine are a testament to the richness and depth of the country’s cultural heritage which gives a boost to the tourism sector. By promoting and preserving these cultural assets, Malaysians can ensure that their cultural identity and heritage are not lost to time.
For those in the creative-cultural industry that spans arts, dance, music, theatre, films, and events, sustainability and prosperity will not be achieved through cash handouts but rather through innovative programmes that empower them – as a start, there is a need to draft a National Creative Industry Policy as well as setting up a council solely for the arts and music.
It is time we recognise the symbiotic relationship between tourism and the arts and creative culture sectors and see how the latter truly impacts the local economy. To understand this better, more comprehensive data and statistics are required for better informed decisions and solutions.