Latest news with #WhatAboutKuching
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
WAK Festival 2025 unveils programme lineup with ‘Roots' theme
Abdul Karim (seated centre) and Tan (seated, second left) hold the WAK promotional materials after the launch at the Kuching Old Court House today. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (Aug 13): The seventh edition of the What About Kuching (WAK) Festival today unveiled its full programme lineup, setting the stage for a month-long October celebration themed 'Roots'. The announcement follows earlier launches of WAK Sibu and WAK Miri, marking the first time the festival has expanded beyond the state capital. Festival founder and director Donald Tan said this year's theme carries the broader interpretation of 'We Are Kindred', reflecting a united creative spirit across Sarawak's three major cities. 'This year's theme invites us to reflect on and celebrate the deep cultural and historical roots that anchor us to our homeland, our heritage and each other. 'It reminds us to honour our shared past even as we grow new connections that branch outwards,' he said during the launch at the Kuching Old Court House. Also present for the event were State Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, deputy minister Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, and the ministry's permanent secretary Datu Sherrina Hussaini. Tan said the early launch of the events calendar gives the public six weeks to plan their schedules, select preferred programmes, and secure tickets, which will go on sale in the coming days. 'Some of the events are very small and intimate, that is what WAK Festival is all about. We are actually taking solid content and making it very immersive with our audiences throughout the city. 'Things are going to be happening all over the town. 'I think we have over 45 venues in total spread throughout the city, so there is something for everyone for sure,' he said. As an open-access, multi-genre platform, WAK continues to support long-standing creative partners while welcoming new collaborators from Malaysia and abroad. 'Together, your fresh ideas, performances, exhibitions and showcases transform our streets, lanes, parks and spaces, weaving a colourful tapestry that connects our kindred spirit across the region,' Tan said. This year's WAK will feature 49 partners, 67 unique events, and 369 daily programmes across 44 venues in and around Kuching. Highlights include collaborations with Canon Marketing (Malaysia), Japan Foundation, tHe Spring Shopping Mall's Pink It Up market, Wayang Kitchen with Razif Hashim, Singaporean performer GT Lye's Nyonya Stories, The Podium Project's street Kimchi Show, violinist Nisa Addina's Jazz It Up, Miri singer Naki's Malam Galau, and the Pickleball Grand Slam organised by the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta). Organisers expressed gratitude to the State Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts and various governmental and non-governmental agencies for their support. They also called for more sponsors and partners to help elevate WAK to the international stage and strengthen Sarawak's position in the global arts and culture arena. 'We invite creatives to light up Kuching, Sibu, and Miri with their works, performances, and passion. 'We also welcome the public to participate with open minds and curiosity, and to experience the colourful charm of 'We Are Kindred',' Tan added. Kuching roots WAK Festival What About Kuching
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak eyes 5 mln tourists this year as WAK Festival kicks off
Abdul Karim speaks during the launch of the WAK Festival 2025 calendar today. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (Aug 13): Sarawak is targeting five million tourist arrivals this year, with 2.4 million already recorded as of July, said State Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. Speaking at the launch of the What About Kuching (WAK) Festival 2025 calendar at the Kuching Old Court House today, Abdul Karim said the state remains on track to meet its goal, though high airfare prices continue to pose a challenge. 'We've seen economy class fares hit RM800, and even more than RM1,000 at times. Prices are always driven by demand and supply. 'I'm looking forward to our new state airline, which could help stabilise rates. 'Apart from that, I do hope also that the airlines that are servicing now, whether it's MAS (Malaysia Airlines), whether it's AirAsia, whether it's Batik Air, they have to be considered and make sure that everything is in order,' he said. Abdul Karim stressed that flagship events like WAK play a crucial role in attracting visitors while showcasing Sarawak's rich arts, culture, and creative industries. This year's WAK, themed 'Roots', interpreted as 'We Are Kindred', will feature 49 partners, 67 events, and 369 programmes across 44 venues in and around Kuching, covering music, theatre, visual arts, crafts, gastronomy, and community activities. He noted that the festival's momentum had already begun building through its June satellite editions in Sibu and Miri, which drew strong crowds and highlighted WAK's role in uniting communities. Looking ahead, Abdul Karim said the International Dragon Boat Regatta will take place this October, featuring teams from 20 countries, making it one of the busiest tourism months for Sarawak. He urged more stakeholders and sponsors to support such events to reinforce Sarawak's position as a unique cultural destination. Also present were State Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew and the ministry's permanent secretary Datu Sherrina Hussaini. Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah Kuching tourism WAK Festival
The Star
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Sarawak records over RM1bil per month in tourism receipts from January to June this year
State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah launching the WAK Festival calendar reveal on Wednesday (Aug 13). - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star KUCHING: Sarawak has recorded tourism receipts exceeding RM1bil every month from January to June this year, says Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. The state Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister said this was the best performance achieved by the tourism industry so far. "Tourism receipts include spending on hotels, restaurants, transport, crafts and related expenditure. "In other words, it's the money going into the industry, not just in Kuching but other parts of Sarawak," he said at the calendar reveal of the WAK Festival here on Wednesday (Aug 13). Abdul Karim said the tourism receipts reflected the high numbers of visitors coming to Sarawak in the first half of the year. He said Sarawak was well on track to hit its target of five million visitors this year, having received 2.4mil up to June. "We are looking at 500,000 visitors a month from July onwards, so I'm confident we can reach our target," he said. Abdul Karim said events like the WAK Festival were among the contributing factors attracting tourists to Sarawak. He said the festival, which runs throughout October, had grown from its humble beginnings in 2017, expanding from Kuching to Sibu and Miri last year. "What I love about WAK is that it comes from the community, for the community. "October, which used to be a quiet time, has now turned into an interesting month with a lot of events," he said. Festival director Donald Tan said the WAK acronym was evolving into a new identity this year following the festival's expansion to Sibu and Miri. "WAK used to stand for What About Kuching. We've decided to position ourselves as the WAK Festival which now stands for We Are Kindred," he said. Tan said this year's festival was themed "Roots" to celebrate Sarawak's cultural and historical roots. "It reminds us to honour our shared past even as we grow new connections that branch outward, nurturing fresh collaborations that breathe life into our city's creative landscape," he said. The festival will feature 49 collaborators, 67 unique events and 369 daily activities spread across 44 venues in and around Kuching. Crafts, food and music events are among the highlights. "We want to take creative and artistic activities to street level to engage with the community," Tan said.
Borneo Post
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Thousands flock to WAK Sibu Festival 2025 for art, culture and creativity
Law (11th left) poses for a group photo with some of the performers. SIBU (June 8): A large crowd turned up for the second edition of the What About Kuching (WAK) Sibu Festival 2025, held at the Sibu Heritage Centre on Friday night. The three-day festival, running from June 6 to 8, is expected to attract around 10,000 visitors, celebrating creativity, culture, and community spirit. A total of 20 unique events featuring a mix of performing arts, visual exhibitions, cultural showcases, music, lifestyle markets, and hands-on workshops were organised as part of the vibrant celebration. Among the programme's highlights is the iconic theatre piece `Emily of Emerald Hill' to be performed by veteran actress Pearlly Chuah. Adding to the festive atmosphere were live DJ sets by DJ Sotong, SJ Steph, DJ Losan, and DJ APP, which kept the crowd energized throughout the evening. Other highlights included exhibitions like `Into the Wild', `Celebrating Malaysia', `All About Arts: Elements of Nature', offering diverse visual storytelling by Sarawakian artists and photographers. There will also a fashion show by Edric Ong and Melor by Melinda Omar – both of whom recently presented collections at the London Festival Week. The festival also host a curated selection of creative vendors from Kuching to join the Rainbow Market, creating opportunities for creative entrepreneurs to reach new audiences in Sibu. Sibu Municipal Councillor Michelle Law was among those presented at the event. Arts and Culture entertainment Sibu Heritage Centre What About Kuching
Borneo Post
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
WAK Sibu Festival 2025 returns with bigger line-up, eyes 10,000 visitors this June 6-8
(From left) Law, Izkandar, Chin and Christopher pose for a photo call. – Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (May 23): The second edition of the What About Kuching (WAK) Sibu Festival 2025 is set to take place from June 6 to 8 at the Sibu Heritage Centre, aiming to attract about 10,000 visitors, announced festival manager Brendan Chin. Reflecting on last year's inaugural edition, he recalled that the community-driven event attracted about 4,000 visitors. 'While most were locals, our survey also revealed that some visitors came from Singapore and even as far as Australia. 'This year, we expect about 10,000 visitors,' he said during the WAK Sibu Festival 2025 Calendar Reveal press conference here yesterday. Adding on, Chin said this year's edition builds on the energy and success of last year, with over 20 unique events featuring a mix of performing arts, visual exhibitions, cultural showcases, music, lifestyle markets, and hands-on workshops. He pointed out that among the programme's highlights is the iconic theatre piece 'Emily of Emerald Hill', to be performed by veteran actress Pearlly Chuah – a captivating showcase of Singaporean-Malaysian heritage in Sibu. He also shared that Time Signature, Kuching's celebrated instrumental band, is set to return with an electrifying set of Top 40 hits from across the decades. To spruce up the atmosphere, there will also be DJ sets featuring DJ Sotong, DJ Steph, DJ Losan, and DJ APP. 'Other highlights include exhibitions like 'Into the Wild', 'Celebrating Malaysia', and 'All About Arts: Elements of Nature', offering diverse visual storytelling by Sarawakian artists and photographers. 'We are also especially proud to feature a fashion show and exhibition by Edric Ong and Melor by Melinda Omar—both of whom recently presented collections at the London Fashion Week,' added Chin. He further mentioned that the festival will also host a curated selection of creative vendors from Kuching to join the Rainbow Market, creating opportunities for creative entrepreneurs to reach new audiences in Sibu. 'So, expect a vibrant blend of craft, food and lifestyle offerings every evening at the festival site. 'Every event is designed to be accessible, inclusive and community-driven, true to our WAK philosophy 'by the community, for the community'. 'We want this to be a platform where local talent can shine, while also learning and collaborating with creatives from across Sarawak and beyond,' said Chin. Additionally, he announced that the launching ceremony will be held on June 6. Meanwhile, Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) deputy chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley expressed delight to see the return of the WAK movement to the riverine town. 'This festival represents more than just performances and exhibitions; it is a powerful expression of creativity, identity, and community spirit. 'I am especially proud that this platform not only highlights the talents of our local creatives, but also fosters cross-regional collaborations with performers and vendors from Kuching, Kuala Lumpur, and beyond. 'This kind of exchange strengthens our cultural ecosystem, and puts Sibu on the map as a regional creative hub,' he added. For the full calendar and updates, visit or follow @wakxsibu on social media. Also present at the press conference were councillors Michelle Law and Christopher Kelebit Ansa.
