UNIMAS Harmonia has made history, reaching gold by the end of 2026.

KUCHING, 11 Oct: The University of Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) Harmonia choir group composed of 22 music students from the Faculty of Applied Arts and Creative Sciences (FSGK) achieved a proud achievement by winning the gold medal in the open category at the International Choir Festival and Symposium, SADA KENYALANG 2026.

The two-day competition, which began on October 9 and 10 at the Borneo Kuching Convention Centre (BCCK), saw UNIMAS Harmonia compete with choirs from within and outside of Taiwan.

The achievement was even more significant when the participation was the first appearance of FSGK's music program in the competition, thus proving the university's youth talent on the international stage.

UNIMAS Harmonia compared three songs, namely a second more of Anuar Zain's vocals, Nirmala of Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza and Bring Me to Life by Evanescence.

The three songs were breathed fresh through a choral arrangement by Dr Fairuz Zamani, while the performance was led by the conductor of the group, Dia Fadila, who is also an FSGK music lecturer and local singer.

In addition to participating in the competition, the group also had the opportunity to take an intensive class (masterclass) with the renowned Acapella Group from the United Kingdom, The King's Singers, which was brought to Kuching by the Kuching City First Choir Association (KCFCA).

The King's Singers have also been internationally recognized with various accolades, including winning the 2009 Grammy Award for Best Classical Album, through their album Simple Gifts.

Throughout the festival, various fillings were also held, including a Malaysia-Taiwan Friendship Concert, choir workshops, health and sound control sharing sessions as well as conductor techniques related training.

The festival brings together choral groups and musicians from Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Russia and Singapore to provide a platform for the exchange of knowledge, experience and expertise in the performing arts.

SADA KENYALANG 2026 is also supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts of Sarawak, in line with efforts to strengthen the performing arts ecosystem as well as elevate local talent internationally-TVS.