UNESCO recognises Sarawak’s SIFMA as int’l event for Asia-Pacific region, cultural preservation

Nan Hwa Singers performing at SIFMA 2023 held at Sarawak DUN Complex, Kuching on Dec 2, 2023.

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, Dec 2: Sarawak International Festival of Music and Arts (SIFMA) has been recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) for its outstanding contribution as an international event for the Asia-Pacific Region and cultural preservation in the State.

Sarawak’s Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, witnessed the handing over of the achievement certificate from UNESCO to SIFMA chairperson Dr Geraldine Law-Lee during the event held at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex here earlier tonight.


Soprano Wendy Yong performing at SIFMA 2023 held at Sarawak DUN Complex, Kuching on Dec 2, 2023.

SIFMA, now in its fourth edition, will be held at the venue on Dec 2 and 3, 2023.

With the theme ‘Plumes of Colourful Symphony’, this year’s edition gathered amazing acts not only from Sarawak but also from Japan, Thailand, the Philippines, India, Indonesia, Singapore. and West Malaysia.

Japanese duo Sachiko (left) and Tanaporn are performing at SIFMA 2023, held at Sarawak DUN Complex, Kuching, on Dec 2, 2023.

The line-up included Malaysian pianist Bridget Yee, Kuching-born soprano Wendy Yong, dance duo Sachiko and Tanaporn (Japan), Hiromi Fujimoto performing the Awa Odori dance (Japan), Sugapriya Ashok performing the Bharathanatyam classical dance (India), drum master Sandip R Maisuri (India), Angklung band Cathy’s Art (Indonesia), Kwerdas Rondalla from Silliman University (Philippines), Halili-Cruz School of Ballet (Philippines), dancer Nattatida performing Nattaya Thai Dance (Thailand), music troupe Kansadaeng Watthanatham (Thailand), Nan Hwa Singers (Perak, Malaysia), The Stone Percussion (Seremban, Malaysia), Lun Bawang Bamboo Flute and Bass Band (Sarawak, Malaysia), St. Joseph’s Private School (SJPS) Chamber Choir, Chung Hua Middle School No.3’s Festive Drum team, pas de deux Jeremy Gan and Tan Yu Xin, La Danse Studio, Kenwy Yangqin Ensemble, and Belgium-based pianist Gilbert De Greeve.

Sugapriya Ashok performing the Bharathanatyam classical dance during SIFMA 2023 held at Sarawak DUN Complex, Kuching on Dec 2, 2023.
Pas de deux Jeremy Gan and Tan Yu Xin performing at SIFMA 2023 held at Sarawak DUN Complex, Kuching on Dec 2, 2023.

SIFMA 2023’s first night saw about 500 attendees present.

In her welcoming speech, Lee-Law mentioned that next year’s event will see the new Junior SIFMA launched for children and youths to create an amazing platform for talents to be exhibited and all the arts for fashion, arts and visual arts as well as literary to be developed. — DayakDaily

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