Latest news with #KuchingFestival
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Colours of China, rhythm of Japan at MBKS' International Friendship Cities Night this July 25–27
(From third left) Wee, Zaiedi, Chai, and Kuching Festival main sponsor Pepsi representatives, show sneak peek photos of the upcoming cultural performances. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (July 24): The International Friendship Cities Night, part of this year's Kuching Festival, will take place from July 25 to 27 at the MBKS Theatre, offering three nights of vibrant cultural performances from Kuching's sister cities abroad. Running nightly from 7.30pm to 10pm, the event is a celebration of friendship, cultural exchange, and unity, said Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng at a press conference yesterday. 'I'm very deeply honoured to share with everyone that this year we will be welcoming delegations from Tai'an (Shandong Province), Zhenjiang (Jiangsu Province), Zhengzhou (Henan Province), and Quanzhou (Fujian Province) in China, as well as Asuke from Toyota City, Japan,' he said. Wee said the visiting delegations had travelled great distances to showcase traditional performances that reflect their heritage and artistic spirit. Among the highlights from China's Tai'an delegation are students from Taishan University, who will perform Ode to the Coral (a female solo), a gu zheng solo of Lofty Mountains and Flowing Streams, a spirited Competitive Fitness Qigong and Single Knife Dance, and a graceful blend of traditional music and Tai Chi in Silver Clouds Pursuing the Moon. The evening would also feature a dynamic martial arts display titled Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. From Zhenjiang, students from Zhenjiang Experimental School will present five elegant Chinese dances: Beijing Melodies, The Unity of Land, The Little Point, A Very Beautiful Place and Fernleaf Hedge Bamboo Under the Moonlight, and Lotus Drum Melody. Quanzhou will bring the charm of traditional Chinese puppetry to life with a Marionette Show that promises to enchant both young and old. Zhengzhou's delegation, meanwhile, will present an electrifying display of authentic Shaolin Kung Fu, performed by martial artists from the famed Shaolin Temple — promising a breathtaking fusion of discipline, tradition, and power. From Japan, the Asuke delegation will deliver a stirring Japanese Taiko Drum performance — bold, rhythmic, and deeply rooted in Japanese culture. 'This is a rare opportunity for the people of Kuching and our visitors to witness international cultural performances live, right here in our own backyard. 'I sincerely invite everyone, families, students, cultural lovers, and members of the public to come and experience this extraordinary event. 'Bring your friends and children and let them witness the colours of China and the rhythm of Japan. 'Let us fill this theatre with applause, appreciation, and unity,' Wee said. Admission is free, and each night promises a world-class cultural experience at the MBKS Theatre. Also at the press conference were Kuching South Deputy Mayor and Kuching Festival Main Organising Committee Chairman, Dato Dr Zaiedi Suhaili, and Deputy Chairman Cr Chai Ju Loon.
Borneo Post
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Kuching Got Talent gets RM40,000 boost from Sports Toto
(Front, third left) Yip hands over a mock cheque to Wee, as officials from Sports Toto and MBKS look on. — Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (July 22): The Kuching Got Talent 2025 (KGT2025), making its return for the 11th edition as part of the Kuching Festival, has received RM40,000 in sponsorship from STM Lottery Sdn Bhd (Sports Toto). Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said Sports Toto had remained a loyal and longstanding partner of the Kuching Festival for over 30 years, supporting various programmes aimed at promoting community engagement, youth participation and cultural development. 'Their unwavering support has enabled us to bring this event to life each year, providing opportunities for our people to discover and develop their talents in a positive and supportive environment. 'Corporate social responsibility plays a vital role in building a vibrant, inclusive society, and Sports Toto has continuously exemplified how businesses can contribute meaningfully. 'Their contributions to Kuching Got Talent go beyond financial – it is an investment in our community, in our future, and in the dreams of many aspiring individuals,' he said during a press conference at MBKS here yesterday. For KGT2025, total of 160 entries involving some 220 participants have been received across four categories: 'Singing' – Age 12 and Below and Age 13 years and Above; 'Dancing'; and 'Other Talents'. Auditions were held on July 5 and 6 at the MBKS Auditorium, resulting in 61 participants being shortlisted for the semi-finals, which is scheduled this Aug 9 at the MBKS Theatre. The grand finale, featuring the Top 35 finalists, will be staged on Aug 10. Also present during the ceremony yesterday was Sports Toto's Kuala Lumpur headquarters' external communications, communications and sustainability manager Yip Bing Tsong. kuching got talent lead sponsorship sports toto Wee Hong Seng
Borneo Post
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Kuching Festival returns with youth-centric highlights this Aug
Wee (eighth right), Zaiedi (seventh right), Ruslan (fifth left), Tow (fourth left) and councillors in a group photo after the press conference. KUCHING (May 29): Three new programmes will debut at this year's Kuching Festival to cater to evolving community interests, especially among the younger generation, said Datuk Wee Hong Seng. The Kuching South mayor said they are the MBKS Mayor's Pickleball Championship, Cosplay Competition, and K-Pop Dance Cover Competition. He said the inaugural pickleball championship will be held from Aug 2 to 3 at Picklepro Kuching, Tabuan Laru Family Club. 'This fast-growing sport will feature several categories: Women's Doubles Open, Men's Doubles Open, Mixed Doubles Open, and Veteran Men's Doubles Open,' he told a press conference at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) building yesterday. Attractive prizes, including cash, sports equipment, medals, trophies, and certificates await the winners. Wee said to raise awareness of the sport, MBKS will also run a Community Pickleball Month throughout July. 'Activities will be held every Saturday morning from 9am to 11am at PicklePro Kuching, promoting better health and community bonding among Kuching South residents. 'There will be free coaching across four courts for anyone who wishes to learn how to play. Further details on the competition and coaching programme will be announced on our Facebook page,' he added. Meanwhile, the Kuching Festival Cosplay Competition will take place on Aug 2 at the MBKS Theatre in Kuching Park. 'This will be a spectacular gathering of creativity, colour and costume, as participants transform into their favourite characters,' said Wee. On Aug 3, the Kuching Festival K-Pop Dance Cover Competition will light up the same venue, bringing together high-energy dance crews from across the region. The competition is open to participants from outside Sarawak. Wee emphasised that the Kuching Festival remains a cherished annual tradition that brings the community together. 'It is more than just a series of events – it reflects who we are as a city: diverse in culture, rich in creativity, and united in our purpose to grow, connect, and thrive together.' The festival will run from July 25 to Aug 17, and the ever-popular Kuching Festival Fair will take place nightly from 6pm to 11pm at Dewan Masyarakat MBKS. This fair features three main attractions: the food fair with hundreds of stalls offering local and international delicacies; trade fair showcasing products and services from local entrepreneurs; and nightly entertainment featuring cultural shows, music, dance, and family-friendly performances. Wee also announced the return of Kuching's Got Talent, which promises bigger prizes and more incredible local talent. 'This year also marks the 10th anniversary of our Kuching Zumba Fiesta, first introduced in 2015,' he added. To mark the occasion, a record-breaking event is planned on Aug 2 from 7pm to 11pm at the Sarawak Hockey Stadium, with a target of 10,000 participants to break the Malaysia Book of Records for the largest Zumba participation. Other festival highlights include the Garden Show, Mayor's Walk, Folk Dance Night, martial arts display, traditional music night, International Friendship Cities Night, fishing competition, Kuching Half Marathon, and Yuanji dance performance. Also present at the press conference were Kuching South deputy mayor Dato Zaiedi Suhaili, MBKS councillors, and Kuching Pickleball Association president Ruslan Bujang and his deputy Alexander Tow Ah Lek.
Borneo Post
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
MBKS aims to maintain one million visitor record for Kuching Festival this year
Wee (fourth right), Zaiedi (third right), Ling (fourth left), Lee (third left) and others give a thumbs-up during a photo call today. KUCHING (April 30): The Kuching South City Council (MBKS) hopes to maintain the record of one million visitors at this year's Kuching Festival. Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng noted that the festival continues to attract visitors from all walks of life, both local and international. 'Known for its wide variety of activities and attractions, the festival has grown into one of the most eagerly awaited events in our calendar. 'It is not just a celebration — it is a showcase of what makes Kuching truly special: our creative gastronomy, rich culture, sporting energy, youthful vibrancy, and meaningful 'white hair' activities that honour and engage our senior citizens,' he said at the press conference at MBKS Building today. Wee, who is also the event's organising chairman, shared that the committee has lined up an exciting series of events and programmes that promise to be bigger, more colourful, and more inclusive than ever before. Signature events at Kuching Festival include a garden show, Kuching Got Talent, Mayor's Walk, Kuching Zumba Fiesta, folk dance, martial arts display, traditional oriental music, International Friendship Cities Night, fishing competition and Kuching Half Marathon. 'This wide range of programmes reflects our vision to make Kuching Festival not just an event, but an inclusive, creative, and people-centred celebration that brings together food, culture, sports, and community wellness — with something for everyone,' Wee said. The highlight of the festival is the Kuching Festival Fair, which will run from July 25 to Aug 17 at MBKS Community Hall. 'Under this fair, we will have three main attractions: the food fair, trade fair, and nightly entertainment,' Wee added. For those interested in participating in the food Fair, applications are now open. The stall prices are as follows: half stall at RM650, single stall at RM1,300, international/premium stall at RM3,600 and double stall at RM5,400 (by tender, minimum reserve price). Application forms for half stalls, single stalls, and international/premium stalls can be obtained at Counter 8 and 9, One Stop Counter, MBKS Lobby, starting today, from 8am to 4pm daily. All applications and payments for processing and deposit musts be submitted before 4pm on May 8. As for the double stalls, tender documents can also be purchased at Counter 8 and 9. Completed tender documents must be submitted to MBKS by 12pm on May 14. Also present were MBKS Deputy Mayor Dato Zaiedi Suhaili and city secretary Ita Ling and Kuching Food Fair organising chairman Isaac Lee. Kuching Festival 2025 lead wee hong seng
