By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, May 28: This year’s Kuching Festival Food Fair will feature a dynamic mix of new and returning highlights, including the debut of pickleball, the return of Kuching’s Got Talent, and the 10th anniversary of the Kuching Zumba Fiesta, all aimed at promoting unity, wellness, and cultural celebration in the heart of the city.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng announced that the inaugural MBKS Mayor’s Pickleball Championship will be held on Aug 2 and 3 at PicklePro Kuching, Tabuan Laru Family Club.
“This fast-growing sport will feature several categories: Women’s Doubles Open, Men’s Doubles Open, Mixed Doubles Open, and Veteran Men’s Doubles Open.
“Attractive prizes await the winners, including cash, sports equipment, medals, trophies, and certificates,” he said during a press conference announcing the Kuching Festival Programme 2025 at the MBKS Building here today.
To build momentum, the council has also declared July as Community Pickleball Month, featuring weekly sessions every Saturday from 9am to 11am at the same venue (PicklePro Kuching) to promote better health and community bonding among Kuching South residents.
Alongside the pickleball initiative, MBKS is also launching the Kuching Festival Cosplay Competition on Aug 2 and the K-Pop Dance Cover Competition on Aug 3, both to be held at the MBKS Theatre, Kuching Park.
The K-Pop competition will also welcome participants from outside Sarawak.
According to Wee, the events aim to engage the younger generation by tapping into their creative and cultural interests.
Returning by popular demand, Kuching’s Got Talent is back with bigger prizes and broader categories.
The semi-finals will be held on Aug 9, followed by the finals on Aug 10 at the MBKS Theatre.
The competition spans four categories: Singing (below 12 years old), Singing (above 13 years old), Dancing, and Other Talents. Each category will award three top prizes and seven consolation prizes, offering more recognition to participants.
This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the Kuching Zumba Fiesta, which will be held on Aug 2 from 7pm to 11pm at the Sarawak Hockey Stadium.
“We aim to make history by breaking the Malaysia Book of Records for the Largest Participation in a Zumba Event, targeting an impressive 10,000 participants.
“Let us come together in unity, movement, and joy to celebrate this milestone and set a new national record. Registration opens today and can be done via the iPeople app,” said Wee.
Running from July 25 to Aug 17, Kuching Festival 2025 will also host a wide range of meaningful events across various venues, including:
• Garden Show (July 25 – Aug 17) at Kuching Park
• Mayor’s Walk (Aug 17) at MBKS Boulevard
• Folk Dance Night (Aug 10) at Sarawak Hockey Stadium
• Martial Arts Display (Aug 8) at Sarawak Hockey Stadium
• Traditional Music Night (Aug 15) at MBKS Theatre, Kuching Park
• International Friendship Cities Night (July 25–27) at MBKS Theatre, Kuching Park
• Fishing Competition (Aug 9) at the Man-Made Lake, Kuching Park
• Kuching Half Marathon (July 27) at MBKS Boulevard
• Yuanji Dance Performance (Aug 2) at MBKS Square
The annual Kuching Festival will also feature its signature Food Fair, Trade Fair, and Nightly Entertainment at the Dewan Masyarakat MBKS, offering culinary delights, local entrepreneurship, and family-friendly performances throughout the festival period.
“What you see before you is not just a festival schedule. This is a celebration of community, creativity, and connection.
“This is an invitation for you to bring your family, your friends, your energy, and your smiles,” said Wee. — DayakDaily
