By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Sept 3: The What About Kuching (WAK) Festival is expected to expand further, providing an even larger platform for youth talent and establishing itself as one of Sarawak’s premier events, similar to the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF), says Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Abdul Karim, who is Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP), expressed optimism that this goal is achievable, citing the festival’s increasing popularity both locally and internationally.
He drew a parallel between WAK and RWMF, which began on a small scale with only 300 attendees but has since grown to attract nearly 30,000 visitors over its three-day duration.
“We have witnessed how RWMF has expanded, and I hope that with continued support, WAK will evolve into a major event, not only in Sarawak but across Southeast Asia,” he said during his speech at the launch of the 6th edition of the WAK Festival 2024 Calendar, which took place today at a local hotel here.
The minister recounted how, despite initial scepticism and financial constraints, the festival has blossomed into a significant event involving the youth and showcasing a wide array of talents, from music to arts.
He also emphasised the importance of community support, noting that the involvement of local mayors and volunteers has been crucial in the festival’s development.
Abdul Karim, who is also Sarawak Minister for Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED), noted that WAK’s reach has expanded beyond Kuching, with activities now being held in Sibu and Miri.
He added that despite retaining the name ‘Kuching’, the festival has been well-received in these cities.
“WAK has established its own identity, and I am deeply impressed by its growth, which serves as an inspiration to us all,” he remarked.
Abdul Karim further noted that his ministry will continue to support such initiatives, recognising their potential to grow from small-scale events into larger platforms that nurture youth talent across various disciplines.
He also expressed hope that future editions of WAK and other local festivals would continue to evolve, drawing more participants from within and outside Sarawak, much like the RWMF has done over the years.
The WAK Festival 2024 will take place throughout October, from the 1st to the 31st.
This year’s festival, themed ‘By the Community, For the Community’, promises an exceptional lineup of 60 unique events, 45 local and international collaborators, and 233 daily activities spread across 38 locations in and around Kuching.
Also present at the event were Senator Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim; Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) mayor Hilmy Othman; Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng; Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Tan Kai; Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) chairman Dato Peter Minos; and Festival Directors for WAK Festival 2024, Donald Tan and Marina Foo. — DayakDaily
