Sarawak is the only state in Malaysia with community leaders such as Temenggong, Penghulu, Pemanca and Kapitan. This system of leaders, who help facilitate communication between the government and the people, was inherited from the time of the Brooke Rajahs and plays a key role in the state's community-building.
The titles carry more than ceremonial weight — they reflect a leadership culture built on trust and respect that resonates more about being there sincerely, constantly, and wholeheartedly.
This was the spirit at the CAM CO-STAR 2025 Sarawak Roadtour flag-off, which brought together nearly 150 community and business leaders. What stood out to me wasn't just the size of the crowd but the openness — people willingly shared what was working and what wasn't, with an intent to help each other grow.
We know how hard COVID-19 impacted the tourism industry, yet the motivation to rebuild was not just for economic gain, but rooted in the simple fact that we can.
Rose Pengiran, for example, a tourism veteran fiercely proud of her Lun Bawang heritage, captured the moment best. She spoke not of challenges but of possibilities and a shared fire — a #semangattogether. With the support systems in place, the ecosystem is responsive, and the people — the ones I spoke to — are ready.
The view from Cove 55 in Damai - with a rainbow in tow.
