Latest news with #SarawakArtsCouncil
Borneo Post
16-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak Arts Council: AI a tool to enhance, not replace, human creativity
Awang Ikman speaks during the opening of the dialogue. MIRI (July 16): Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a futuristic concept but has become an integral part of daily work and the creative industries, said Sarawak Arts Council (MSS) acting chief executive officer, Awang Ikman Awang Sepian. He pointed out that AI, which has existed since the 1990s, is now widely utilised to optimise repetitive tasks, analyse data, enhance productivity, and even create content such as music, writing and visual arts. 'AI can help artists and creative practitioners produce more innovative works and promote their art to wider audiences. It offers many benefits, from automating routine jobs to generating new creative content,' he said when officiating at the Seri Perdana Dialogue 2025: Preparing the Creative Industry to face the AI Technology Revolution, organised by MSS at a local leading hotel here yesterday. The dialogue brought together representatives from various government agencies, festival and event organisers, associations, and art practitioners from across Sarawak and surrounding areas to discuss how AI can transform the local creative arts scene. However, Awang Ikman also reminded participants that despite the convenience that AI offers in making tasks easier, one must not lose the original spirit and identity of art. Previously, he said, MSS had organised workshops where students were encouraged to brainstorm and explore how AI can assist in promoting their artistic works, while learning about ethical and privacy challenges associated with the use of technology. 'The aim of this initiative is to equip the younger generation with new skills such as data analysis and AI engineering, preparing them for emerging career opportunities,' he said. Looking ahead, he added that MSS plans to collaborate more closely with relevant agencies to strengthen community awareness and understanding of AI applications. He also reminded the audience that AI should serve as a tool to support, not replace human creativity. 'AI can greatly assist and open new possibilities, but it should complement rather than replace human creativity, aligning with MSS' mission to advance local creative industries responsibly,' he concluded. More than 200 participants were given exposure to the use of AI in creating artworks and digital innovations through presentations and forums. AI Awang Ikman Awang Sepian Sarawak Arts Council
Borneo Post
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
St Joseph's Private Schools to present 'Rhythm and Colour: Wonder' concert this August
Cultural dancers rehearsing their performance for the Rhythm and Colour 2025 concert. KUCHING (July 1): St Joseph's Private Schools will once again celebrate the spirit of creativity and the performing arts through their biennial variety concert titled 'Rhythm and Colour: Wonder – Seeking Truth, Goodness and Beauty', to be held at Dewan Majma Kuching on Aug 2 and 3. Organised in collaboration with the Sarawak Arts Council (Majlis Seni Sarawak) under the MySeni scheme, the concert aims to showcase the richness of local arts and provide a vibrant platform for students to express themselves through music, dance, and drama. According to a statement by the school, the production will feature students from St Joseph's Private Primary School, St Joseph's Private Secondary School, and St Joseph's International School. 'This year's theme is inspired by the butterfly, a symbol universally recognised for its beauty and ability to inspire awe, especially among young children,' said the concert's creative director, Benedict Lo. 'The butterfly is familiar to all of us, yet it still evokes a sense of wonder. Through the performing arts, we invite audiences to contemplate truth, goodness and beauty. We hope this immersive concert experience will ignite a sense of awe and inspiration in everyone who attends.' Lo added that the production process offers students a meaningful learning opportunity, encouraging them to imagine a better future and work together toward building a more harmonious society. Among the highlights of the concert are performances by the schools' acclaimed music ensembles with the SJPS Chamber Choir and St Joseph's Private Primary School Choir, both of which recently earned gold awards and reached the Grand Prix finals at the inaugural Sarawak International Choral Festival 2025, will showcase their vocal prowess. 'Audiences can also look forward to rousing performances by the SJPS Concert Band, SJPS Chinese Orchestra, and String Ensemble, along with captivating displays from the school's Ballet, Cultural and Contemporary Dance troupes,' said the statement, The variety concerts have long been part of St Joseph's tradition, tracing their roots to the 1950s and 1960s when the school was run by the La Salle Brothers. The concerts were seen as a vital part of the school's holistic approach to education, providing a platform to develop students' talents, promote teamwork and foster community spirit which is a passion that remains alive to this day. 'In line with this legacy, the school is currently constructing a new block that will include state-of-the-art music and dance studios. All proceeds from this year's concert will go toward the school's Building Fund,' said the statement. Tickets for the concert are priced at RM50, RM80 and RM120, and can be purchased online via Cloudjoi and further details and donation options for the Building Fund are available at Arts and Culture concert entertainment St Joseph's Private Schools
