(From left) Law-Lee, Ting, Abdul Karim and Sherrina seen at the press conference on SIFMA. — Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (Nov 28): The highly-anticipated Sarawak International Festival of Music and Art (SIFMA) is set to make a vibrant return this year.
The two-day event will be taking place at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex here this Dec 6 and 7, featuring a diverse line-up of local and international artistes.
Now in its sixth edition, the festival is organised by the International Music House (IMH) with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts and the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB).
The Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah announced that this year’s festival would expand its reach through impactful masterclasses and concerts.
“This year, SIFMA has extended its outreach to Bintulu and Miri to invite performers, with a total of 18 troupes set to entertain audiences during the two-day festival,” said Abdul Karim at a press conference.
The international roster includes the B’dadali dance troupe from the Philippines; Nataraharia and Puspa Karima from Indonesia; the Taiwan Bamboo Orchestra; Suc Song Moi Traditional Orchestra; and the Viet Lotus Groups from Vietnam.
Local Malaysian talent will be represented by groups such as the Cstage Dance Academy and Ask Dance Company.
The minister added that the event would also feature a fashion showcase with designers from Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Peninsular Malaysia.
“SIFMA is a crucial initiative to build confidence in Sarawak’s performing arts industry.
“That is why we continue to support the creative and performing arts sector, whether locally or by sending cultural troupes overseas.
“We want to build confidence in the industry so that by the time the performing arts centre is ready, we already have a strong pool of capable artisans and performers,” said Abdul Karim.
Meanwhile, IMH chief executive officer Dr Geraldine Law-Lee said the Junior SIFMA and the Night of Classics would be staged on Dec 2 and 3, respectively.
She added that the ‘Music Heals Programme’ would also be carried out to support teenagers struggling with depression, as well as elderly living with dementia and Alzheimer’s.
“A special highlight this year is the participation of artists from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) and Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM).”
SIFMA will be open to the public for free upon registration, as part of the organisers’ effort to give back to the community.
Present were deputy minister Datuk Sebastian Ting and permanent secretary Datu Sherrina Hussaini.
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