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Daily Express
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Set for vibrant Tawau International Cultural Festival
Published on: Friday, June 13, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jun 13, 2025 Text Size: Nizam handing over memento to Musa. Kota Kinabalu: The 10th edition of the Tawau International Cultural Festival (FKAT), set for Aug 2, is expected to be more vibrant than ever. Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan, said the festival – now in its 10th year – will be officiated by the Head of State Tun Musa Aman. 'Today, together with the Tawau Municipal Council President, I extended an official invitation to Tun Musa to launch the Tawau International Cultural Festival, which will be held on Aug 2, 2025 in Tawau. Advertisement 'As we all know, this festival is a legacy programme initiated by Tun Musa during his tenure as Chief Minister of Sabah, with the first edition held in 2011. 'Hence, the people of Tawau are truly honoured to invite Tun to personally officiate this year's festival, which will also be attended by the Chief Minister,' he said. Nizam said the annual festival continues to enjoy strong support, drawing around 50,000 visitors and contributing significantly to the local economy. 'Every year, the festival attracts no fewer than 50,000 visitors who come to Tawau to witness the highlight of the event – the cultural performances, including a parade showcasing various ethnicities and traditions. 'FKAT is a much-anticipated annual event, not only among Malaysians but also our neighbouring countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines and other Asean nations, many of which participate in the cultural showcase. 'Sabah itself is home to diverse ethnic groups and cultures, and this festival provides an ideal platform to promote Tawau as a town where cultures from Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Brunei meet. 'I've been informed that preparations for international participation are underway, and I'm confident that, as in previous years, we'll see participants not only from within Malaysia but also from Indonesia, Brunei, the Philippines, Thailand and occasionally even the Middle East. 'This certainly brings economic spillover benefits, promotes Tawau, and fosters unity among our multi-ethnic and multi-faith population under one nation, particularly in Tawau,' he told reporters after paying a courtesy call on the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah, Tun Musa Aman, at Istana Seri Kinabalu, here, Thursday. In a related development, Tawau Municipal Council President Joseph Pang said the 10th FKAT will highlight themes of marriage, heroism and handicrafts. 'Our festival concept changes from year to year, and this time we will feature elements of marriage, heroism and traditional crafts. 'Approximately 30 ethnic groups will take part in the performances. We'll divide them into three categories – 10 ethnic groups will showcase marriage customs, 10 will highlight elements of heroism and the remaining 10 will focus on handicrafts,' he said. * 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
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Tawau International Cultural Festival set for grand 10th edition
Nizam (second from left) and Joseph Pang (second from right) presenting a souvenir to Tun Musa. – Information Department photo KOTA KINABALU (June 12): The 10th edition of the Tawau International Cultural Festival (FKAT) which marks a decade of celebration on August 2, is expected to be even more vibrant. Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan, said the now 10-year-old festival will be officiated by Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman. 'Today, together with the Tawau Municipal Council President, we formally invite His Excellency Tun to launch the Tawau International Cultural Festival, which will be held on August 2, 2025 in Tawau. 'As we all know, this festival is part of the legacy brought by His Excellency Tun during his tenure as Sabah Chief Minister, when the event was first held in 2011. 'The people of Tawau are honored to invite Tun to officiate this year's festival, which will also be attended by the Chief Minister of Sabah,' he said. According to Nizam, the annual festival has always received an enthusiastic response, attracting 50,000 visitors and boosting Tawau's local economy. 'Each year, no fewer than 50,000 visitors come to Tawau to witness the highlight — the cultural performances, including parades showcasing diverse ethnicities and cultures. 'FKAT is a much-anticipated annual event, not just by locals but also neighboring countries like Indonesia, the Philippines, and other ASEAN nations that participate in the cultural showcases. 'Sabah itself is rich in ethnic diversity, and this festival serves as a platform to promote Tawau as a melting pot of cultures from Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Brunei. 'I understand that participation is being arranged, and I am confident that, as in previous years, there will be involvement not only from within the state but also from abroad — Indonesia, Brunei, the Philippines, Thailand, and even Middle Eastern countries sometimes join. 'This will undoubtedly boost the economy, promote Tawau, and unite people of diverse races and religions under one nation, particularly in Tawau,' he told the media after paying a courtesy visit to Tun Musa Aman at Istana Seri Kinabalu today. Tawau Municipal Council President Joseph Pang shared that the 10th FKAT will highlight themes of marriage traditions, warrior heritage and handicrafts. 'Our concept evolves each year; this time, we will feature elements of wedding customs, warrior culture and traditional crafts.' 'About 30 ethnic groups will perform, with 10 showcasing wedding traditions, 10 focusing on warrior elements, and 10 presenting handicrafts,' he explained.
