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KUCHING, June 9: Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) and its partners for the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) will help make the region of Sarawak become a leader in Responsible Tourism and sustainability in the country, and also a viable hub for music tourism.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah emphasised that RWMF has become an international platform that strongly advocates Responsible Tourism, in its quest to become one of the world’s most sustainable, eco-friendly festivals.
“Not only has RWMF become Sarawak’s ‘Star Festival’ being one of the 25 best international festivals, it is also to connect and embrace the values of sustainability which is in line with Sarawak’s Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“STB’s recent memorandum of understanding with Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) on a joint five-year tree planting programme is another testament of Sarawak’s continuous efforts and commitment with RWMF being the platform to advance the importance of sustainable practices in tourism,” he said when addressing the RWMF Sponsors Aprreciation Day held at a hotel here today.
STB chief executive officer Sharzede Salleh Askor was also present.
Abdul Karim added that this reflects Sarawak’s clear goal to elevate the reputation and appeal of the RWMF, with the aim of making the festival to be a congregation of traditional sounds and instruments from different corners of the world, bringing people together to celebrate diverse music, arts and culture.
With RWMF 2023 carrying the theme of ‘Reflections’, he expressed pride to witness the growth of the homegrown music festival from its humble beginnings 26 years ago with only hundreds of attendees, to being recognised as a music festival of international stature that attracts thousands of festivalgoers globally today.
“I see a united front and a heart-warming demonstration of public–private partnership collaboration that shows confidence and trust in our mission to make a positive and lasting difference in the music community in Sarawak.
“When we strive to build music tourism in Sarawak, we cannot build it alone. This is why I would like to take this opportunity to convey our utmost appreciation to our partners and friends who are on board with STB for RWMF 2023.
“Each and everyone of you here plays an important role in bringing the world together in Sarawak through RWMF. Your contribution and unwavering support are vital in putting Sarawak’s unique musical heritage on a global stage,” he said.
The sponsors and supporters for RWMF 2023 are Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia Ride, TV Sarawak, Carlsberg, Pepsi, Plaza Merdeka and Waterfront Hotel, Spin Sportswear, Petroleum Sarawak Berhad, Sacofa, Midvalley Megamall Kuala Lumpur, Hornbill Skyways, Sarawak Timber Association and ATS Global Travel and Charter Sdb Bhd.
Meanwhile, RWMF 2023 is making its full physical comeback from June 23 to 25 at the Sarawak Culture Village (SCV) in Santubong here.
Featuring more than 20 bands from 12 countries from four continents, festival goers can look forward to performances by Grammy Award winner Gipsy Kings featuring Tonino Baliardo from France of such hits as ‘Djobi Djoba’ and ‘Bamboleo’, Big Mountain from Jamaica and the USA best known for their hit song ‘Baby I Love Your Way’, Safi Theatre from Tanzania, Rastak from Iran, Fasylive from Maldives, Afriquoi from the United Kingdom, Chatusram from India, Rizal Hadi & Folk from Indonesia and Ethno Thai Fusion Sound Band from Thailand.
The line-up will also include performers from Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore.
RWMF 2023 will also highlight Malaysian local talents from East and West Malaysia, which include Zee Avi, Suk Bini, Aseana Percussion Unit, Nadir, Steve Thornton & Afroasia, Sada Borneo, Tuku Kame, Nading Rhapsody, Geng Wak Long, Buloh Bekocak, At Adau, Meruked, and Orang Orang Drum Theatre.
The ‘Pre-sale’ tickets are available on Klook ticketing platform across a range of categories: Adult 1-Day Pass Fri/Sun (RM230), Adult 1-Day Pass Sat (RM260), Adult 2-Day Pass Fri + Sat / Sat + Sun (RM440), Adult 3-Day Pass (RM590), and Child 1-Day Pass Fri/Sat/Sun (RM80) – under a limited-period offer.
For more information about Rainforest Music World Music Festival 2023, log on to rwmf.net. — DayakDaily
