Latest news with #SarawakMinistryofTourism
Borneo Post
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
BCF 2025 to showcase Sibu's cultural richness, green aspirations
Izkandar (seated centre) in a photocall with other organising committee members showing BCF 2025 posters. SIBU (July 2): SIBU (July 2): The Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) 2025 is set to spotlight Sibu's vibrant cultural identity and commitment to sustainable development from July 3 to 12. Organised by the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC), the festival, with the theme 'Rhythm of Borneo', will emphasise the harmony between Bornean culture, nature, and daily life, highlighting the region's ethnic diversity through art, performance and environmental awareness. SMC Deputy Chairman and BCF 2025 Organising Committee Chairman, Mohamed Abdullah Izkandar, said the festival goes beyond cultural entertainment by promoting local heritage and values to a wider audience while involving grassroots communities. 'BCF 2025 is not only a platform to showcase cultural and artistic heritage, but also serves as a medium to promote Sibu's uniqueness to visitors from within and outside the country. 'We are also focusing on community involvement and the integration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in line with green development aspirations,' he told a press conference here today. The festival will feature performances from Dayak, Malay-Melanau, Chinese, and Lun Bawang communities, alongside international acts from West Java, Indonesia, and Delhi, India. A new official mascot, Engkuli the Bornean Clouded Leopard, will symbolise the unity of people, culture, and nature while raising awareness about endangered species, he said. 'We are optimistic about attracting more visitors this year due to relaxed travel restrictions. 'With the cooperation of various agencies, ministries, and sponsors, we are confident that BCF 2025 will become the largest cultural celebration in Sibu,' he added. In line with the SDGs, waste management measures include designated bins and enforcement monitoring, with fines imposed on those who violate cleanliness rules. He also revealed that Jalan Bujang Suntong will be temporarily closed on July 4, 11 and 12 to ensure public safety during key festival events, and advised the public to follow traffic instructions to avoid congestion and penalties. With support from the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, and various sponsors, BCF 2025 aims to be the largest cultural gathering in the region, reinforcing Sibu's identity as a cultural and ecological hub. For updates and information, contact SMC at 084-333411 or follow their official social media platforms. BCF 2025 borneo cultural festival Rhythm of Borneo Sibu SMC
Borneo Post
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Snowdan: Sarawak's Performing Arts Centre on track for completion by late 2026, early 2027
Snowdan poses with a choir group from Berlin during the event. KUCHING (June 16): The construction of Sarawak's Performing Arts Centre is on track for completion by late 2026 or early 2027, said Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan. He said the RM300 million landmark, once completed, would be one of the most ambitious cultural infrastructure projects in Malaysia, which would serve as a dedicated space for artistes, musicians and performers to grow and showcase their talents. 'This will be our very own centre for artistic excellence — it will be Sarawak's investment in talent, tourism and the future of performing arts,' he said during the closing ceremony of the Sarawak International Choral Festival and Symposium (SICFest and SICSym) held at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre here yesterday. He said the performing arts centre would strengthen Sarawak's position as a regional hub for cultural tourism, which is an ambition already being realised through internationally recognised events such as SICFest and SICSym. 'Over the past few days, Kuching has come alive with the sound of music, joyful harmonies, vibrant energy and heartfelt performances that have touched all of us. The festival's embodiment of the state's artistic spirit should also be commended,' he said. Following that, he thus expressed gratitude to organisers, along with the organising committee of the Kuching Choral Society, for delivering a high-calibre international event which saw participating choirs and adjudicators hailing from countries including Austria, Germany, Singapore, Indonesia, and across Malaysia. Snowdan also highlighted the role of such events in nurturing the next generation of musicians. 'Seeing children and youth on stage is a reminder why we must continue investing in performing arts. I believe they are the future of global understanding and unity. 'Let us continue to bring Sarawak to the world, and the world to Sarawak,' he said. The SICFest and SICSym is a premier international event in Kuching that brings together choirs, vocal educators, and music enthusiasts from around the world. Organised by the Kuching Choral Society with support from the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, the event features both a vibrant choral festival and an educational symposium. Participants engaged in performances, competitions, master classes, and workshops led by renowned international adjudicators and conductors.
Borneo Post
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Sarawak's Performing Arts Centre on track for completion by late 2026, early 2027
Snowdan poses with a choir group from Berlin during the event. KUCHING (June 16): The construction of Sarawak's Performing Arts Centre is on track for completion by late 2026 or early 2027, said Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan. He said the RM300 million landmark, once completed, would be one of the most ambitious cultural infrastructure projects in Malaysia, which would serve as a dedicated space for artistes, musicians and performers to grow and showcase their talents. 'This will be our very own centre for artistic excellence — it will be Sarawak's investment in talent, tourism and the future of performing arts,' he said during the closing ceremony of the Sarawak International Choral Festival and Symposium (SICFest and SICSym) held at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre here yesterday. He said the performing arts centre would strengthen Sarawak's position as a regional hub for cultural tourism, which is an ambition already being realised through internationally recognised events such as SICFest and SICSym. 'Over the past few days, Kuching has come alive with the sound of music, joyful harmonies, vibrant energy and heartfelt performances that have touched all of us. The festival's embodiment of the state's artistic spirit should also be commended,' he said. Following that, he thus expressed gratitude to organisers, along with the organising committee of the Kuching Choral Society, for delivering a high-calibre international event which saw participating choirs and adjudicators hailing from countries including Austria, Germany, Singapore, Indonesia, and across Malaysia. Snowdan also highlighted the role of such events in nurturing the next generation of musicians. 'Seeing children and youth on stage is a reminder why we must continue investing in performing arts. I believe they are the future of global understanding and unity. 'Let us continue to bring Sarawak to the world, and the world to Sarawak,' he said. The SICFest and SICSym is a premier international event in Kuching that brings together choirs, vocal educators, and music enthusiasts from around the world. Organised by the Kuching Choral Society with support from the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, the event features both a vibrant choral festival and an educational symposium. Participants engaged in performances, competitions, master classes, and workshops led by renowned international adjudicators and conductors.
Rakyat Post
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Rakyat Post
Sarawakian Siblings Bag Gold At International Music Competition In Thailand
Subscribe to our FREE It was a proud moment for Sarawakian brother and sister musical duo SJ Borneo when they earned the Gold second runner-up title at the 2025 World Championship Grand Finals organised by Asia Pacific International Arts Festival in Bangkok, Thailand, from 9 to 12 May. Through a post on Facebook, 15-year-old Shawn Thein Shuen and his younger sister 12-year-old Jane Thien Jing put Malaysia on the map as they garnered praise for a performance that highlighted Sarawak's indigineous cultural heritage. They were bestowed the winning title for a unique rearrangement of 'Anak Kampung', a song made popular by Sabahan musician Jimmy Palikat. What made it more special was that the siblings sang the song in both Malay and Chinese. To complete the look and sound of the performance, they played the number dressed in traditional Sarawakian attire and musical instruments – Shawn on djembe (a percussion instrument) and Jane on the sape (a string instrument). Image: Facebook | SJ Borneo – Shawn & Jane SJ Borneo received unanimous praise from the panel of international judges for their act, which was witnessed by a crowd of over 500 spectators. 'This competition gave us the opportunity to stand on the world stage representing Sarawak and Malaysia, and to share our culture through music. 'Sarawak's heritage is unique and precious. We want the world to hear, see, and treasure it,' the duo said in a statement. Shawn and Jane thanked the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, under the Mudahcara Facilitation Fund, for the support which led to their success. Image: Facebook | SJ Borneo – Shawn & Jane 'We are deeply grateful to the ministry for the support through Dana Mudahcara, which helped make this journey possible,' they said. The Kuching locals also extended a heartfelt thanks to their teachers and educational institutions for encouragement and guidance. They also acknowledged the inspiration of sape pioneers including Dines Ngau Wan, Hallan Hashim, Alena Murang, and Mathew Ngau Jau, whose contributions inspired their journey. Image: Facebook | SJ Borneo – Shawn & Jane Looking ahead, the pair is committed to promoting traditional Sarawak music with their motto, 'Sape for All'. The massive international art event saw many participants from all over the world taking part, including Australia, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Kosovo, Malaysia, the Philippines, Qatar, the Republic of North Macedonia, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
Borneo Post
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Sarawak sibling duo shines at global music competition in Thailand
The siblings perform at the World Championship International Competition Grand Finals in Thailand. KUCHING (May 23): Sarawak sibling duo SJ Borneo earned international acclaim by clinching the Gold 2nd Runner-up title at the 2025 World Championship International Competition Grand Finals held in Bangkok, Thailand from May 9 to 12. Representing Malaysia, 15-year-old Shawn Thien Shuen and 12-year-old Jane Thien Jing stood out among 178 acts from 25 countries, drawing praise for a performance that blended modern flair and traditional elements while highlighting Sarawak's indigenous cultural heritage. Their award-winning piece was a rearrangement of the classic Malay song 'Anak Kampung', performed in both Malay and Chinese. The performance featured traditional Sarawak attire and musical instruments – Shawn on the djembe and Jane on the sape. Held before a crowd of over 500 spectators, SJ Borneo's act received unanimous praise from the panel of international judges. 'This competition gave us the opportunity to stand on the world stage representing Sarawak and Malaysia, and to share our culture through music. 'Sarawak's heritage is unique and precious. We want the world to hear, see, and treasure it,' the duo said in a statement. Participants from countries including Australia, Germany, South Korea, Italy, Russia, the United States, and more took part in the international-level event. SJ Borneo's performance, showcasing the soulful tones of the sape and tribal rhythms of Borneo, positioned the pair as young cultural ambassadors for Sarawak. The duo credited their success to support from the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, under the Dana Mudahcara Facilitation Fund. 'We are deeply grateful to the ministry for the support through Dana Mudahcara, which helped make this journey possible,' they said. The Kuching siblings also extended heartfelt thanks to their teachers and educational institutions for continued encouragement and guidance. Shawn currently studies at Chung Hua Middle School No. 1, while Jane attends SJKC Chung Hua No. 3. They thanked their principals Bong Nyuk Siong and Lee Chee Beng along with a number of educators and mentors, for providing stage opportunities and musical guidance. They also acknowledged the inspiration of sape pioneers including Dines Ngau Wan, Hallan Hashim, Alena Murang, and Mathew Ngau Jau, whose contributions have inspired their journey. Looking ahead, the pair is committed to promoting traditional Sarawak music with their motto, 'Sape for All'. The duo aims to explore new ways to preserve and evolve cultural heritage through performance. Their journey and latest updates can be followed on their official Facebook page: SJ Borneo – Shawn & Jane.
