Air Supply concert in Kuching to boost Sarawak' music tourism

Borneo Post

3 days ago

Abdul Karim, flanked by Ting (third right) and Snowdan, joins (from left) Samuel, Sherrina, Deborah, and Hii in a photo-call, taken after the launch. — Photo by Henrietta Liza
KUCHING (July 25): The upcoming 50th anniversary celebration of legendary soft rock duo, 'Air Supply', set for September, marks another milestone in Sarawak's growing prominence as a premier destination for international live events.
Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, in officially launching the concert today, highlighted its potential of attracting regional visitors and contributing to the state's tourism economy.
'There will be many who will be coming in, not just from Kuching, but also from Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, and from Peninsular Malaysia,' he said during the launch at The Spring Mall here.
Organised by Twig Events Sdn Bhd, the concert is set to be staged at the Sarawak Blessed Church (SBC) Hall here, this Sept 24, with the curtain-raiser at 8pm.
Abdul Karim also noted that increased air connectivity, including the launch of the Pontianak to Kuching route on Sept 12 and existing daily flights from Jakarta and Singapore, should help drive international attendance.
He further emphasised the wider economic ripple effects, benefitting Sarawak's hospitality and tourism sectors, and thus, he called for the development of more suitable concert venues across the state.
The minister also expressed hope that the state government would invest in larger hosting venues, especially in view of the ongoing construction of the new Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) 2.
'The existing BCCK can only accommodate a 5,000-strong crowd, but the new venue will be able to accommodate almost 10,000 people. Once completed, it will attract even bigger acts,' he said.
Twig Events Sdn Bhd director Deborah Tai, meanwhile, said the concerts would be a special experience for Malaysian fans.
'Air Supply has a timeless appeal across all age groups.
'In their 50th anniversary tour, we saw the opportunity to bring something iconic and emotional to Sarawak – a once-in-a-lifetime chance for fans to experience them performing live.'
Following Air Supply's concert, Mandapop star Ding Dang is scheduled to perform at Stadium Perpaduan here this Oct 11.
'It's really exciting to see so many artistes showing interest in performing in this beautiful state called Sarawak,' said Deborah.
Tickets for both concerts are available for purchase at The Spring Mall, until tomorrow (July 27), with the sales being conducted at the Starbucks entrance between 10am and 10pm daily.
Also present at the press conference were the deputy ministers Datuk Snowdan Lawan and Datuk Sebastian Ting; the ministry's permanent secretary Datu Sherrina Hussaini; deputy state secretary Datu Hii Chang Kee, and Twig Events director Samuel Tai. Air Supply concert Kuching lead tourism