By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, June 26: The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) will remain firmly anchored in Sarawak as the State continues to enhance and evolve the internationally recognised cultural event, says Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) chairman Datuk Dennis Ngau.
He said the festival, which has grown into one of Sarawak’s strongest global tourism brands, will continue to be hosted in the State while adapting to changing audience preferences and generational expectations.
“Rainforest will stay in Sarawak. This event will stay here, as far as I know,” he said at a press conference at the festival grounds in Sarawak Cultural Village here today.
Dennis said STB has been consistently improving the festival each year by introducing new elements that reflect current trends, particularly to maintain interest among younger audiences.
“Every year, we have been trying to put in additional items based on current preference, current need, or even current generation needs,” he said.
He added that these enhancements are important in sustaining the festival’s momentum and ensuring it remains relevant on the global stage, while still preserving its core identity.
According to him, RWMF’s main strength lies in its unique positioning as a platform that showcases indigenous and ethnic music rarely found elsewhere in the world.
“We showcase it here. I guess that’s one of the biggest strengths of the Rainforest World Music Festival of Sarawak,” he said.
Dennis said the festival’s continued growth is a result of deliberate efforts to balance innovation with cultural preservation, ensuring that its authenticity remains intact.
RWMF, now in its 29th edition, has evolved from a small cultural gathering into one of the world’s top-ranked music festivals and is expected to mark its 30th anniversary next year. — DayakDaily
