By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 13: St Teresa’s School, St Joseph’s School, and Chung Hua Miri have emerged among the top winners at the inaugural Borneo International Band Festival (BIBF) 2025, which concluded with resounding success in Kuching, as organisers set their sights on an even bigger return in 2026.
Held over two days (July 12-13) at the Multipurpose Hall of Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus here, the festival marked a significant milestone in Sarawak’s cultural and musical landscape, gathering 19 school bands from Kuching, Sibu, Miri, and Tawau.
According to a press release, the festival was organised by the Malaysia Concert and Marching Band Association (MCMBA) in collaboration with the Kuching Concert and Marching Band Association (KCMBA), and featured three competitive divisions: Concert Bands, Ensembles, and Marching Sport, judged by an esteemed panel of adjudicators from Malaysia and abroad.
Guest of honour (GOH) Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who officiated both the opening and prize-giving ceremonies, hailed the event as a historic first for the region.
“Today, we are not just here for music or for the festival, we are here because we are making history,” Dr Sim was quoted as saying.
“No matter what, you will always be remembered as part of the very first Borneo International Band Festival.”
He also reminded participants, parents and supporters to take pride in the event, calling it a celebration of discipline, unity and teamwork.
“For all the young musicians, I wish you the very best because you are a beacon of hope, a beacon of discipline, a beacon of teamwork,” he added.
In the Concert Band Scholastic A Class (Showcase Division), St Teresa’s School Concert Band won the Gold Award and emerged champion, while Chung Hua Miri Marching Band secured second place, also earning a Gold Award.
St Joseph’s Private School Concert Band clinched the Gold Award in the Scholastic A Class (Premier Division), while Kuching Wind Symphony topped the Open Class (Premier Division) with a Gold Award.
In the Marching Sport Standstill (Scholastic A) category, St Joseph’s School Marching Band was crowned champion with a Gold Award, and Tung Hua School Band came in second with a Silver Award.
For the Ensemble categories, St Teresa’s School Chamber Winds took the top spot in Chamber Winds, while Chung Hua Miri Brass Group A led the Brass division. In the Woodwind division, St Teresa’s School Woodwind Ensemble secured the highest honour, with Chung Hua Miri Saxophone and Clarinet groups earning Gold Awards as well.
Chung Hua Miri Drumline won the Marching Percussion category, followed closely by St Joseph’s School Drumline. In the Colour Guard division, Pancaragam SM St Patrick Tawau emerged champion with a Gold Award, and Chung Hua Miri Colour Guard took second place, also with Gold.
Meanwhile, MCMBA president Wilson Tan praised the festival as more than just a competition, but a celebration of musical spirit, community and cross-cultural exchange.
“Over the last couple of hours, we have not only witnessed musical excellence, but the power of community and culture,” he said.
He announced that the next BIBF will be held in Kuching from July 10 to 13, 2026, noting that interest has already come from bands in Thailand, Singapore, Taiwan, and Ireland.
Also present at the event was Susan Clement Ingun, Political Secretary to the Premier of Sarawak.
BIBF 2025 not only celebrated musical achievements but also strengthened ties between schools, educators and communities across the region, providing a platform for young musicians to perform, learn and grow together in the universal language of music. — DayakDaily
