By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Oct 11: Kuching City South Council (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng expects the 2nd Cheongsam Cultural Festival on Oct 21 to attract an impressive number of participants.
He said the festival themed “Love of Cheongsam, Beauty of the East”, aims to showcase Sarawak’s rich multi-ethnic heritage. Among its main objectives is to nurture a sense of pride within the community and celebrate culture.
“In addition, it seeks to strengthen relationships and bonds within the community, among public and private organisations, as well as between the staff and volunteers who make the festival possible,” he said at a press conference to publicise the event at MBKS headquarters today.
Wee opined that this year’s festival is set to surpass all expectations, building upon the successes of its predecessor in celebrating the region’s rich heritage and creating lasting memories.
He revealed that the festival is to take place at Malaysia-China Friendship Park and Dewan Masyarakat MBKS (MBKS Community Hall).
Among festival activities lined up are the ‘Walk in the Garden’, ‘Chess in the Garden’, Fun Life Sketch Workshop, and a “Chinese Diabolo’ showcase, at the Malaysia-China Friendship Park.
He added that the Sarawak Asian Cheongsam Competition will be divided into three age categories—Group A (aged 18 to 45), Group B (age 45 and above), and Group C (aged 5 to 12).
“The prize for Groups A and B will be RM1,800 for the winner, while the first and second runners-up gets RM1,500 and RM1,200 respectively, and five excellent awards with each winner getting RM200.
“As for Group C, the winner gets RM300, while the first and second runners-up will get RM200 and RM100 respectively, with six consolation prizes of RM60. The event will take place at Dewan Masyarakat from 10am to 12 pm, and the closing date to join this cheongsam competition is Oct 14.”
Wee said the festival promises a day filled with cultural richness and a sense of achievement, as the Sarawak Federation of Chinese Women Associations (SFCWA) secured a spot in the Malaysia Book of Records in October 2022 at the festival’s first edition for largest gathering of ladies in cheongsam attire with a total of 315 participants.
The festival, organised by SFCWA in collaboration with MBKS, is supported and funded by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak. — DayakDaily
