KUCHING: Sarawak’s standing as an emerging cultural and eco-tourism powerhouse has been given a major boost with the Borneo Cultures Museum (BCM) being voted the world’s number one museum, ahead of global heavyweights like the Louvre and Taiwan’s National Palace Museum.
Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg said the achievement validates years of investment in cultural infrastructure aimed at positioning Sarawak as a premium tourism destination within the Asia-Pacific region.
“The museum was envisioned to be interactive, digital and globally competitive,” he said.
“It’s an affirmation that Sarawak’s blend of culture, biodiversity and innovation can attract the world’s attention.”
He revealed that ongoing efforts to enhance air connectivity, including the creation of AirBorneo, are crucial for sustaining growth in the tourism sector.
Meanwhile, the state’s upcoming Natural History Museum is expected to complement BCM by hosting exhibitions on evolutionary science and Sarawak’s unique biodiversity, further strengthening the region’s educational tourism appeal.
BCM currently leads the Museum World Ranking 2025 with 49,465 online votes, nearly twelve times higher than the Louvre’s tally.
The museum, opened in 2022, has drawn 1.35 million visitors from over 150 nations, generating significant revenue for local hospitality and travel industries.
Abang Johari added that Sarawak’s next goal is to integrate its cultural identity into global tourism networks, linking BCM with eco-tourism and heritage destinations across Borneo.