By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 14: The 7th edition of the What About Kuching (WAK) Festival, now rebranded as We Are Kindred, was officially launched Wednesday (Aug 13) at The Old Court House, setting the stage for a month-long celebration of Sarawak’s arts, culture, and lifestyle in October.
In a TVS news report, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah lauded the festival’s inspiring growth from its humble beginnings into a dynamic, community-driven platform that now extends beyond Kuching to Sibu and Miri through its satellite editions.
“This year, WAK brings together 49 collaborators to present 67 unique events and 369 daily activities at 44 venues across Kuching. We are proud to see such a vibrant and inclusive programme that unites communities and celebrates what makes Sarawak unique—our diversity, creativity, and warm spirit of togetherness,” he said.
Key collaborators for this year’s edition include Canon Marketing Malaysia, the Japan Foundation, tHe Spring Shopping Mall (Pink It Up weekend marketplace), Wayang Kitchen featuring Razif Hashim, Peranakan Stories from Singapore (An Afternoon with GT Lye), The Podium Project for Pickled on the Streets – Kuching (in conjunction with DBKU Car Free Morning), musician Nisa Addina for Jazz It Up, Miri-born singer Naki for Malam Galau, and MATTA Malaysia for the Pickleball Grand Slam.
Festival Director Donald Tan highlighted the festival’s significant evolution: “This year, we are proud to rebrand WAK to We Are Kindred, symbolising our expansion to Sibu and Miri, three urban landscapes now united as a living showcase of Sarawak’s rich heritage and dynamic creative spirit.”
Themed Akar (“Roots”), WAK 2025 invites reflection on the deep cultural and historical connections that bind Sarawakians to their homeland and to one another.
“Like the ancient trees of Borneo’s rainforests, our roots bind us together, keeping our creative community strong and helping it flourish,” Tan said.
Both the Abdul Karim and festival director expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from the Ministry, government and non-government agencies, collaborators, and festival partners, while inviting more sponsors to help grow WAK into a global cultural platform that elevates Sarawak onto the world stage.
WAK Festival 2025 will run throughout October in Kuching, following satellite editions held earlier this year in Sibu and Miri. Visitors can expect a rich and varied programme of music, theatre, visual arts, handicrafts, gastronomy, and community events—ensuring something for everyone.
“Let us fill Kuching’s streets and spaces with creativity and joy,” Abdul Karim urged.
Originally focused solely on Kuching, the festival’s expansion to Sibu and Miri and its rebranding to We Are Kindred reflect the unity and deep bonds between Sarawak’s communities, while celebrating the state’s diverse cultural tapestry. — DayakDaily
