Latest news with #AirSupply
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Pontianak-Kuching flights to resume Sept 12, boosting tourism and connectivity
Abdul Karim (centre) speaks to reporters. – Photo by Henrietta Liza KUCHING (July 25): The long-awaited resumption of the direct Pontianak-Kuching flight route is set for this Sept 12, a move expected to significantly enhance regional connectivity while boosting Sarawak's medical tourism and live entertainment sectors. Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, has confirmed that although the final official confirmation is pending, initial indications suggest the route will operate two flights daily. 'It's about RM180 for a one-way trip, if I'm not mistaken,' he told reporters at the launch of Air Supply's 50th anniversary concert, here today. Abdul Karim highlighted the strategic timing of the flight resumption, coinciding with the concert scheduled for Sept 24. 'The event is expected to attract a sizeable number of fans from Indonesia, particularly from Pontianak. 'There are a lot of rich people down there (in Pontianak). Every time we host a concert, many of them come by road. 'During last year's countdown event, the Tebedu CIQS (Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex) was jammed for three hours,' he said. The minister also cited encouraging performance of the Jakarta-Kuching direct flight, which had maintained a passenger load factor consistently above 80 per cent, driven by demand from Indonesian travellers. According to Abdul Karim, the Singapore tourist arrivals are showing an upward trend, while Brunei remains a significant market for Sarawak's tourism industry. 'More than 100,000 Bruneians enter Sarawak every year, whether for entertainment, marathons, extreme sports, or 4×4 rallies. 'Brunei has always been a strong supporter of our tourism,' he said. Abdul Karim also reaffirmed Indonesia's position as the primary source of foreign medical tourists to Sarawak, especially from Pontianak and Jakarta. According to him, many of these patients travel overland for up to five hours, while others opt to fly via Jakarta before arriving in Kuching. 'With direct flights now available from both Pontianak and Jakarta, we anticipate a significant increase in medical tourist arrivals from Indonesia,' he said. Additionally, Abdul Karim hinted at the potential for a future direct flight route between Balikpapan and Kuching. 'Probably in the future, we never know – Balikpapan might be… (having direct flights from Balikpapan to Kuching),' he said with optimism. Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah flights Kuching Pontianak
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Air Supply concert in Kuching to boost Sarawak' music tourism
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
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Sport
- Borneo Post
Haze unlikely to affect Borneo Games 2025, says Abd Karim
Abdul Karim speaking to reporters after the launch of the Air Supply 50th Anniversary Celebration concert. – Photo by Henrietta Liza KUCHING (July 25): The current haze situation affecting Kuching is expected to be temporary and unlikely to disrupt the upcoming Borneo Games 2025 set for September, said State Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. He said the haze was mainly caused by fires in Indonesia's Riau Archipelago, with the smoke drifting into Sarawak due to the shifting wind directions, particularly affecting the Kuching area. 'Now, because of the change in the wind, the direct flight is moving to Kuching, but the Riau Archipelago is not that big. 'Once they manage to control the fires, I believe we won't be seeing this kind of smoke or the effects that we are seeing today. 'So by the time the Borneo Games are going to be held, which is in September, same time as the Air Supply (concert), I think by that time it should be okay,' he told reporters after officiating the launch of the 'Air Supply 50th Anniversary Concert' at The Spring Mall here today. When asked whether there are contingency plans to postpone the event should the haze persist, Abdul Karim said the organisers had been monitoring the situation closely but no postponement had been planned at this time. 'If the situation remains moderate and manageable, we certainly hope the championship can proceed without issue. 'As I mentioned earlier, it's very likely that when the students arrive during that period, the API (Air Pollutant Index) will still be within an acceptable range,' he said. On preparations for the Games, the state minister gave assurance that Sarawak was fully ready, noting that the state successfully hosted the Malaysia Games (Sukma) in August last year, and had the experience and capability to manage such events. 'With only five core sports and two traditional events in the Borneo Games, compared to over 30 in Sukma, this is relatively easy for us,' he said. He added that the organising committee, Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC), volunteer teams, and officials from his ministry were already mobilised and committed to ensuring a successful event. As for the state's athletes, Abdul Karim said preparations are going well. He stressed that while medals are important, the true objective of the Borneo Games is to foster stronger ties and camaraderie among the provinces and states across Borneo. 'That's why we don't just focus on podium finishes – we look at how to create meaningful bonds through the games,' he added. Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah Borneo Games 2025 haze
Borneo Post
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Tickets for Air Supply's first-ever Kuching concert on sale tomorrow (July 9) at 9.09am
Legendary soft rock duo Air Supply will be performing its first-ever concert in Kuching on Sept 24. KUCHING (July 8): Tickets to Air Supply's first-ever concert here will go on sale tomorrow (July 9) at precisely 9.09am. The highly anticipated show is part of the timeless 80s hitmakers' global 50th Anniversary Celebration and will be held on September 24 at SBC Hall, Jalan Seladah. Official organiser Twig Events encouraged fans to be ready early to secure their seats for what promises to be an unforgettable night. 'We urge fans to set their alarms, check their internet connection, and be ready on the official website at to grab their seats for this one-night-only celebration. 'Tickets are limited, so don't miss this rare chance to experience the legendary soft rock duo live on stage in what promises to be an unforgettable night,' it said in a press release. Tickets to Air Supply's show in Kuching go on sale tomorrow (9/7) at exactly 9.09am. As part of their milestone anniversary, Air Supply is marking the occasion with the release of a brand-new album 'A Matter of Time', a Broadway musical appearance, a biographical film 'All Out of Love: The Air Supply Story', and an upcoming memoir. Backed by a world-class band led by music director Aaron McLain, the Kuching concert promises a night of soaring harmonies, heartfelt ballads, and cherished memories — live, intimate, and filled with romance. For the latest updates, follow Twig Events on Facebook at and Instagram at advertorial Air Supply concert entertainment
Daily Express
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Ticket Countdown Begins! Air Supply 50th Anniversary Celebration in Kuching – Sales Start at 9:09AM on July 9
Published on: Tuesday, July 08, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 08, 2025 Text Size: KUCHING: Get ready, Kuching! Tickets for the Air Supply 50th Anniversary Celebration — the legendary duo's first-ever show in Kuching — go on sale tomorrow, Wednesday, 9 July, at exactly 9:09 AM. Twig Events, the official organiser, urges fans to set their alarms, check their internet connection, and be ready on the official website to grab their seats for this one-night-only celebration. Air Supply 50th Anniversary Celebration Ticket Launch: Wednesday, 9 July 2025 at 9:09 AM Get your tickets at: For the first time ever, Air Supply is coming to Kuching! This is a one-night-only performance, and tickets are limited — don't miss this rare chance to experience the legendary soft rock duo live on stage. As part of their global 50th Anniversary Celebration, Air Supply is marking the milestone in more ways than one — with a brand-new album 'A Matter of Time', a Broadway musical appearance, a biographical film 'All Out of Love: The Air Supply Story', and even a memoir. Their timeless music continues to capture hearts across generations. The Kuching concert is set for Wednesday, 24 September 2025, at SBC Hall in Sarawak. Backed by a world-class band led by music director Aaron McLain, this unforgettable evening promises a night of soaring harmonies, heartfelt ballads, and cherished memories — live, intimate, and filled with romance. Concert Details Date: Wednesday, 24 September 2025 Time: 8:00 PM Venue: SBC Hall, No. 70 Jalan Seladah, Off Jalan Song, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia Follow us for the latest updates: Facebook: Instagram: * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
