Mayor eyes 100,000 visitors in a day as Kuching Festival Food Fair nears finale
KUCHING (Aug 11): Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng hopes that the Kuching Festival Food Fair 2025 will attract more than 100,000 visitors in a single day before the festival ends on Aug 17.
Wee revealed that the festival had recorded more than 90,000 visitors on one day this year.
He disclosed the figure amid recent criticisms of the festival, which has been running since July 25, from certain quarters.
'So if you (critics) have any issues with the Mayor, put them aside. Come face to face with the Mayor. Don't go around criticising a festival that is loved by so many Kuchingites,' he said at the Kuching Got Talent 2025 competition, held at the MBKS Floating Theatre here last night.
The talent competition featured 35 talented youths selected as finalists from a pool of 200 participants.
Acknowledging the impressive calibre of young talent showcased, Wee has called for the establishment of more platforms to showcase youth talent in the city, with the aim of nurturing their potential.
'Our youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are the heartbeat of today. They are full of ideas, talent, and dreams.
'And when we give them the space to perform, the confidence to believe, and the support to keep going, they will take Kuching, Sarawak, and Malaysia to greater heights.
'So let us not stop here. Let us create more spaces like this, community halls or theatres buzzing with activity, youth hubs alive with music and dance, and public venues filled with art, laughter, and celebration,' he said.
Noting that MBKS is not just a council that manages roads and rubbish, Wee said the council has the vision, heart and determination to give every citizen, young and old, a chance to flourish.
'Tonight, we see that vision in action. This stage is more than a platform. It's a launchpad for hidden talents, a meeting point for community spirit, and a powerful reminder that when we give people a chance, they can surprise us, inspire us, and make us proud,' he said.
In the singing category for participants aged 12 and below, Kaylyn Wong Yan Lin emerged as champion, followed by Syarif Zakwan Suhardi in second place and Edmund Chin Ying Hung in third.
For the 13 years old and above category, Phang Zhi Ning took first place, with Summer Wong Li Yii and Agnes Ling Sing Yue finishing second and third respectively.
In the dance category, My Dance was victorious, followed by Tatakai and Caeki.
Meanwhile, in the other talents category, Synwave clinched the top spot, ahead of Bung Rentak and Chung Hua Middle School No. 1.
Also present were Deputy Mayor Dato Dr Zaiedi Suhaili, along with MBKS councillors and other guests. Kuching Festival Food Fair 2025 lead Wee Hong Seng
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Wee delivering his speech at the Kuching Got Talent 2025 competition held at the MBKS Floating Theatre. – All photos by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (Aug 11): Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng hopes that the Kuching Festival Food Fair 2025 will attract more than 100,000 visitors in a single day before the festival ends on Aug 17. Wee revealed that the festival had recorded more than 90,000 visitors on one day this year. He disclosed the figure amid recent criticisms of the festival, which has been running since July 25, from certain quarters. 'So if you (critics) have any issues with the Mayor, put them aside. Come face to face with the Mayor. Don't go around criticising a festival that is loved by so many Kuchingites,' he said at the Kuching Got Talent 2025 competition, held at the MBKS Floating Theatre here last night. The talent competition featured 35 talented youths selected as finalists from a pool of 200 participants. Acknowledging the impressive calibre of young talent showcased, Wee has called for the establishment of more platforms to showcase youth talent in the city, with the aim of nurturing their potential. 'Our youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are the heartbeat of today. They are full of ideas, talent, and dreams. 'And when we give them the space to perform, the confidence to believe, and the support to keep going, they will take Kuching, Sarawak, and Malaysia to greater heights. 'So let us not stop here. Let us create more spaces like this, community halls or theatres buzzing with activity, youth hubs alive with music and dance, and public venues filled with art, laughter, and celebration,' he said. Noting that MBKS is not just a council that manages roads and rubbish, Wee said the council has the vision, heart and determination to give every citizen, young and old, a chance to flourish. 'Tonight, we see that vision in action. This stage is more than a platform. It's a launchpad for hidden talents, a meeting point for community spirit, and a powerful reminder that when we give people a chance, they can surprise us, inspire us, and make us proud,' he said. In the singing category for participants aged 12 and below, Kaylyn Wong Yan Lin emerged as champion, followed by Syarif Zakwan Suhardi in second place and Edmund Chin Ying Hung in third. For the 13 years old and above category, Phang Zhi Ning took first place, with Summer Wong Li Yii and Agnes Ling Sing Yue finishing second and third respectively. In the dance category, My Dance was victorious, followed by Tatakai and Caeki. Meanwhile, in the other talents category, Synwave clinched the top spot, ahead of Bung Rentak and Chung Hua Middle School No. 1. Also present were Deputy Mayor Dato Dr Zaiedi Suhaili, along with MBKS councillors and other guests. Kuching Festival Food Fair 2025 lead Wee Hong Seng
