WAK 2024 Festival in Miri boosts local creative talents, says Ting

MIRI (July 19): The expansion of ‘What About Kuching’ (WAK) – a celebration of arts, culture and lifestyle – here will bring positive impact to the city’s creative industry, said Datuk Sebastian Ting.

The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts said the WAK 2024 Festival to be held at Coco Cabana from Aug 1 to 4 could serve as a good platform for the youths to socialise, unveil their creative talents and boost their entrepreneurial skills.

“With a platform like this, I believe the creative industry will be able to be improved to the level we hope for,” he said when launching the WAK Miri events calendar here yesterday.

The Piasau assemblyman expressed his confidence in the four-day event’s potential to attract not only youths, but also tourists from neighbouring Brunei Darussalam.

“When we have activities or programmes like this, they (Bruneians) will come and support us,” he said, adding such events act as a catalyst for Miri’s economic growth.

Ting said WAK had been receiving the support of his ministry since it was first launched in Kuching in 2017 and following its success, the event was expanded to other parts of the state, including Miri and Sibu.

“I believe, the success of WAK Miri this year will bring more tourists, as well as inspire and motivate others to get involved in the activity and make it an introductory event in Miri,” he said.

Also present were Miri mayor and Pujut assemblyman Adam Yii’s representative, Kelvin Hii; festival director Donald Tan; festival manager Brendan Chin and a representative from the Sarawak Influencer Council Jeremy Yaw.