Sibu International Dance Festival positions Sarawak as must-visit destination in Borneo, says Abd Karim

SIBU (Sept 18): The Sibu International Dance Festival (SIDF) is putting Sarawak on the global stage as a must-visit destination in Borneo, said Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

The Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister said the festival aligns perfectly with Sarawak’s position as a region rich in cultural heritage.

“This annual dance festival has become another exciting event for our folks in Sibu to come together in celebrating the rich cultural diversity that has made Sarawak famous in Malaysia and possibly in the world.

“What sets the SIDF apart is its celebration of Sarawak’s diverse cultural legacies and traditions in the spirit of togetherness and unity in diversity.

“Therefore, we applaud the organising of this exciting festival which also helps to boost domestic tourism, showcasing artistic performance creativity, and highlighting young talents from Sarawak and all over, while promoting traditional culture and heritage,” he said when officially opening the 10th SIDF last night.

The festival will run until Sept 21.

Abdul Karim said Sarawak is rich with traditional and cultural heritage that reflect its diverse ethnic composition.

The intrinsic traditions of communities such as the Chinese, Malay, Iban, Bidayuh, Melanau, and Orang Ulu have contributed to a vibrant and eclectic cultural scene, he said.

“There are of course countless traditional dances and performances that showcase the unique culture and traditions of our community, which consists of 34 different ethnicities,” he said.

Abdul Karim pointed out renovations have begun to transform the old State Legislative Assembly (DUN) building in Petra Jaya, Kuching into a performing arts centre.

He said the centre, which is expected to be completed in two years’ time, will be equipped with the latest audio, lighting, and visual equipment to support local talents in the performing arts and creative industry.

“Furthermore, the centre will also provide a good avenue for continuity and stability in promoting our cultures and traditions, especially in present modern times that are full of changes and uncertainty.

“Our Sarawak government led by the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg has undertaken these initiatives that are aimed to ensure that our local performing arts and creative industry continue to progress and compete on par with other regions and on the world stage,” he added.

Among those present at SIDF were Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Sibu MP Oscar Ling, and SIDF director Chen Ing Kuan.