Latest news with #CreativeIndustryandPerformingArts
The Star
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Niche live events could be the way to go for Malaysia
KING of K-pop G-Dragon is back in town this weekend for a much long-awaited concert. While ticket bots and scalpels almost outpriced Malaysian fans from grabbing tickets, many were just relieved that they did not have to fork out extra to trudge over to our southern neighbour to get a glimpse of the former BigBang lead man. In fact, we even have some of our neighbours, including some Singaporeans, travelling to our shores to partake in this ubermensch (superman) gig. Of course, G-Dragon is no Taylor Swift or Beyonce (sorry oppa Ji-yong), but his concert is one of the few we are cashing in on this year. Then there were also the no-Singapore exclusive concerts such as Green Day, who performed only in Malaysia and Indonesia for their South-East Asian leg in February. Next week, we are set to host the first ever international extension of Indonesian indie music extravaganza Pestapora called Latihan Pestapora. A few Malaysian acts will be joining the selected Indonesian stars on stage of this 'training opener' for the upcoming main fest in Jakarta. Our strong sets, however, could be the niche music shows and festivals, as Sarawak's recent Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2025 shows. Capitalising on Sarawak's rich natural and cultural heritage, the niche world music festival has continued to boost the state's tourism profile and receipts. While it may not be everyone's cup of tea, RWMF 2025 saw a rise in family attendance with parents, children and even grandparents sharing the festival experience, from cultural workshops to co-educational spaces. Intergenerational fun. The festival's emerging multigenerational appeal reflects its evolution into a family-friendly celebration rooted in music, learning and connections said Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. It has boosted the state's events industry and tourism, contributing to its wider economy. 'Tourism currently contributes 8% to the state's GDP (gross domestic product). This year, the state's tourism earnings exceed RM1bil each month,' Abdul Karim told reporters during a press conference at the festival grounds in the Sarawak Cultural Village, Kuching. 'When I say tourism receipts, it involves the spillover that goes into the hotels, going into the food and hospitality industry. 'So those that come in for the RMWF, they have to stay somewhere, they have to eat our food, they have to use our transport, and a lot of them are bringing back souvenirs,' he added, highlighting that last year alone, around 294 events were held as part of its strategy to sustain visitor inflows year-round. 'We always look at it holistically. That is why the ministry is prepared to come up with so many events, whether it is music, sports, cultural or food and drink events in the whole of Sarawak.' Noting the rising competition in the regional live music scene, he said the state has been supporting event organisers through seed funding to help lower ticket prices and make local events more accessible. 'That's why you go to RWMF, you just need to pay RM200 plus. Whereas if you go to a concert in Singapore, it would cost you probably RM1,000,' he said. This does not include the more expensive accommodation, food and other expenses. Abdul Karim revealed that although it would be a dream to host big name international acts for mega-sized concerts in Sarawak, the state does not have the venues for them yet. 'Our present venue, our stadium, the most we would be able to cater for is maybe 20,000. The maximum would be 30,000. Our indoor stadium can only cater for 4,000, 5,000. But we are building our second Borneo Convention Centre, which would have a 10,000 capacity. 'It should be ready in two years' time. And I'm very happy to see that the state government is also embarking on its own airline, so that we can have certain target cities and bring in more tourists and stars.' 'So definitely, we would love to see a mega concert here but there are lots of things that we have to put into consideration first. It is also expensive, and we need to make sure we can recoup the investment, at least in the ticket sales,' he said, noting that at the moment Sarawak is focusing more on smaller and niche concerts like jazz, Indonesian music and K-pop, while promoting the state's tourism attractions, especially in nature and adventure tourism. 'But when we organise these events, we have to be responsible. Make sure that the environment, including the local culture, is looked after. 'That's how we look at it. Most of the other music festivals or events that we are organising, whether through cultural support or business events, we communicate that kind of responsible and sustainable outreach,' he stressed. Malaysia definitely has a lot to offer in niche events and local festivals, which the state tourism agencies along with Tourism Malaysia have been promoting while putting the spotlight on the tourism attractions around or near the venues, from the Kota Kinabalu Music and Dance Festival to the Dragon Boat Festival, George Town Festival and Lenggong Tapau Fest. This year, the Tapau Fest 2025 in Lenggong, Perak, will feature Asean arts and cultural performances while showcasing its Unesco listed archaeological heritage and geopark adventures. In time, we might be able to host large music festivals at the country's iconic natural spots, albeit responsibly. And who knows, we could even attract the more environmentally-conscious stars like Coldplay and Massive Attack without having to pay a bomb to secure them or their exclusive rights. It's the rainforest ambience that gives the RWMF its unique feel. — Sarawak Tourism Board As for RWMF, the Sarawak Tourism Board CEO Sharzede Datu Salleh Askor said the 2026 and 2027 editions will be marquee events in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and the 30th anniversary of the fest. The STB is also looking at organising a Rainforest Cultural Festival during VMY2026. 'It will be good if we could expand RWMF to celebrate these two important milestones. 'But I don't know. 'To move this iconic event to a different venue – out of the cultural village, away from the rainforest – and put it in a stadium, for example, does not make sense to me. It will give it a different feel , a different meaning. "With RWMF, it's the ambience that makes it what it is.'
Barnama
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Barnama
Sarongs On The Run: MSMR 2025 Kicks Off Sarawak Day Festivities
KUCHING, July 19 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025 (MSMR 2025) made its Sarawak debut today, drawing some 2,500 participants nationwide in conjunction with Sarawak Day celebrations on July 22. State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who officiated the event on behalf of Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, hailed the run as a platform for unity and cultural appreciation. 'This is a meaningful unity run that strengthens ties among Malaysians, especially here in Sarawak. Congratulations to the organisers,' he said at the flag-off at Metrocity Matang here today. Billed as a 'cultural fun run', MSMR 2025 promotes healthy living while celebrating Malaysia's heritage. Participants ran 3-kilometre (km) and 5km routes clad in sarongs, with the course featuring cultural elements from across the country. The event was jointly organised by Malaysia Marathon and the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, in partnership with LOCCO, the organisers of the 'Keretapi Sarong' initiative, with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC). Performances along the route included lion and dragon dances, traditional drumming, and cultural showcases from Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia. LOCCO, in a statement, said the event emphasised inclusivity and heritage appreciation, aligning with preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026). 'MSMR 2025 is more than a run, it fosters community spirit and champions culture as a living, active force. It invites Malaysians of all ages and backgrounds to be part of a vibrant, meaningful movement rooted in national identity,' it said. -- BERNAMA
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025 lights up MetroCity Matang with 2,500 participants
Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025 participants run to the finish line in their sarongs. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (July 19): The Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025 (MSMR 2025) made a vibrant debut in Sarawak today at MetroCity Matang, blending culture, music, and fitness in celebration of Sarawak Day. The event drew 2,500 participants across three categories — 10km, 5km, and 3km — all proudly donning sarongs, turning the traditional attire into a symbol of unity, identity, and Malaysian pride. Along the route, runners were treated to cultural checkpoints featuring Dragon and Lion Dance, Gendang Fusion, and traditional performances representing diverse ethnic groups from Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia. State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, flagged off the run on behalf of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. In a brief speech, Abdul Karim said the event celebrated Sarawak's rich heritage while promoting community engagement and healthy living. 'This event showcases how our traditions can be celebrated in dynamic ways, uniting people of all backgrounds,' he said. In a statement, the organisers described MSMR 2025 as a cultural fun run — a collaboration between Malaysia Marathon, the federal Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, and cultural movement organiser Locco. Locco, known for the iconic Keretapi Sarong movement, brought its signature festive atmosphere, creating an immersive experience enjoyed by participants of all ages. Beyond the run, the event featured a mini carnival with Sarawakian art, creative vendors, family zones, and performances by local talents — turning the day into a full-fledged community celebration. MSMR 2025 was supported by various partners including Tourism Malaysia in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026, corporate sponsors, and a range of official and technical partners. Kuching Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025 MetroCity Matang
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Sport
- Borneo Post
Borneo Junior Open squash tourney records most entries, 167 players from overseas
KUCHING (July 17): The Borneo Junior Open Squash Tournament has recorded its highest-ever turnout, said Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. He said 346 junior players from across Malaysia and 167 international players from 16 countries are competing in this year's edition. The growing participation reflects Sarawak's potential as a host for high-profile international sporting events, he said. 'This event provides a great platform for both local and international junior squash players to come together in Kuching for competitive games,' he said during the tournament's welcoming dinner last night. The Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts said this is a proud moment for Sarawak, not just because of the numbers, but because it places Sarawak firmly on the international squash map. He thanked the Squash Racquets Association of Sarawak (SRAS), Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia, and long-time sponsor Cahya Mata Sarawak (CMS) for their commitment to developing the tournament. Abdul Karim said the state government would continue to support the organisation of both national and international sporting events in Sarawak. He also revealed that plans are in motion to upgrade squash facilities in the state to accommodate more courts and enable Sarawak to host more international-level events in future. 'We want to be ready and we want to make Sarawak a sports powerhouse,' he said. The 8th Borneo Junior Open 2025 Squash Tournament will run until July 20. Returning nations competing this year are Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Japan, South Korea, Macau, Pakistan, Singapore, the Philippines, and the United States, while Canada, New Zealand, Russia, and Sri Lanka are making their debut appearances at the championship.
Borneo Post
7 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sarawak's decision to keep youth age limit at 40 ensures broader inclusivity, policy participation
Datuk Michael Tiang SIBU (July 14): Maintaining the youth age limit at 40 will ensure broader youth inclusion and policy participation, said Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang. In voicing his support, he said the state's decision to maintain the age limit reflected its practical and people-oriented approach to autonomous policy-making. 'This policy position, as highlighted by Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts and Saberkas president Dato Sri Abdul Karim, is formulated based on Sarawak's unique social context, economic structure and actual needs in youth development. 'In Sarawak, particularly in rural and less urbanised areas, many youths are still pursuing higher education, undergoing skills training or just beginning to build their careers and families by the age of 30. 'Redefining youth as only those under 30 would immediately exclude a large segment of Sarawakian young adults aged 30 to 39 who are in the prime of their personal development, family building and civic engagement—severely limiting their access to resources, participation in policymaking, eligibility for entrepreneurship aid, involvement in youth organisations and opportunities for advancement,' said the Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (Saberkas) vice president. He added many government programmes and initiatives would no longer cover the majority of Sarawak's actual youths if restricted to those under 30, and that lowering the youth age limit comes with its own challenges and issues. 'We understand the federal government's intention to redefine the youth category more precisely to better allocate resources. However, in a vast and socioeconomically diverse state like Sarawak, simply replicating federal policy may not yield the best outcomes.' He also highlighted several problems that may arise if the age limit was rigidly lowered, such as a reduction in policy coverage that excludes a large group of Sarawakian youths between the ages of 30 and 39, as well as leadership gaps in youth organisations. 'In Saberkas, for example, our organisational model specifically reserves 30 per cent of leadership positions for experienced members over 40 years old to guide and work alongside the 70 per cent younger members. This distinctive Sarawak model helps ensure continuity in leadership and mentorship,' he said. Tiang also touched on the disruption in talent support, as many aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals in their 30s would no longer be eligible for youth-focused government support, but by retaining the current definition of youths as 'aged 40 and below', more would be able to access extended opportunities for personal growth and participation in public policy, social services and community development. 'Other benefits include receiving greater career and entrepreneurial support, including grants, loans and training from the government, and playing stronger leadership and driving roles in politics, civic organisations and social development. 'This inclusive approach allows youths to continue being recognised as vital contributors to the state's progress over a longer life stage and aligns better with Sarawak's people-centric development vision,' he said. age limit Michael Tiang youth
