KUCHING: The conclusion of the Borneo Sonic Music Festival 2023 has left concertgoers eagerly anticipating the continuation of similar events in Sarawak.
Given Sarawak’s strategic location in close proximity to neighbouring countries such as Brunei and Indonesia, there is a collective hope for such festivals to position Sarawak as a hub for music and cultural celebrations.
Their hopes also extend beyond the music and beats, emphasising the broader impact on local talent, economic opportunities, and cross-cultural exchanges.
As the curtains closed on this musical extravaganza, New Sarawak Tribune took the opportunity to engage music aficionados to understand their thoughts and expectations for the future of music festivals in Sarawak.
Nazran Rahman, 28, Designer
“The vibe was fantastic at the event, and I appreciated seeing different cultures from across the country and the world convene here to celebrate music. It was heartening to see people of all races coming together. I hope for the next festival, there will be more international artists gracing the stage. I also think this event needs to be maintained for the benefit of the state, as Kuching is suitable for such events, capable of attracting crowds not only from all over Malaysia but also from our neighbours Indonesia and Brunei.”
Tiffany Bong Jing En, 24, Junior Architect
“With this being my first concert experience, I did not expect it to be such a grand event, especially considering this is the first large-scale music festival for Borneo and Kuching. The event’s scale was impressive, featuring an international star-studded lineup with artists like Taeyang, Suho, HYO, and CL gracing the stage in Kuching. I truly commend the organisers for making this a reality for Sarawakians.”
Kennard Liew Jun Hao, 24, Assistant Architect
“Typically, Sarawakians like us have to travel to KL or Singapore for such concerts, considering accommodation and flight costs on top of the ticket itself. Having it here in our hometown is truly special for us. Overall, the management was well-executed, with a fitting venue and good crowd control for first-time organisers. There were no chaotic situations, and it was a positive experience. However, I’d love to see more variety beyond K-pop, perhaps including J-pop or US acts for future festivals.”
Ong Jing Mian, 23, Student
“This being my first time attending such concerts, I found it very exciting. The diverse line-up featuring international and local acts struck a good balance. If there’s another one next year, I hope for a more organised ticketing system and seating arrangement. Also, I wish for more well-known artists who are current, along with better marketing promotion for local artists. Continuing this in Sarawak is definitely a feasible idea that should be embraced.”
