By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Nov 24: Despite being a relatively new entertainment concept in Sarawak, stand-up comedy could offer opportunities for those interested in the performing arts, says Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Industry, Datuk Snowdan Lawan.
Snowdan elaborated that stand-up comedy could enable individuals to expand their careers in the creative field and venture into acting and filmmaking.
He said that for Sarawak, this form of entertainment also offers new tourism activities.
“We could enhance Kuching City’s attractiveness by hosting stand-up comedy shows featuring regional stars and potentially international comedians.
“This form of entertainment could definitely help boost tourism by attracting visitors interested in entertainment beyond music,” he told reporters while attending actor and comedian Harith Iskandar’s performance, ‘Harith Iskandar – Jailed for Jokes – Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban – Live in Kuching’ at a hotel here on Sunday (Nov 23).
Snowdan expressed hope that comedians could conduct workshops and classes for individuals interested in stand-up comedy, thereby fostering the development of local talent and potentially facilitating their transition into acting or filmmaking.
He further revealed that local entertainment organisers also plan to hold a mini comedy festival by 2026 to attract headliners from the UK, US, and other regions, aiming to boost the growing comedy scene and tourism in Sarawak.
“The programme aims to complement existing activities like the Rainforest World Music Festival by creating a similar comedy festival, which would attract regional visitors and diversify Sarawak’s entertainment offerings,” he said. — DayakDaily
