SIBU: The entertainment industry today is one of the fastest-growing in Malaysia and around the world.
According to Sibu Member of Parliament, Oscar Ling, globally, the entertainment and media industry is projected to surpass $2.5 trillion by next year.
“Right here in Malaysia, the industry contributes significantly to our economy, generating billions of ringgit and creating thousands of jobs.
“It is a market brimming with opportunities that extends beyond music to include films, digital contents, cultural performances and creative arts,” he said at the launch party of the first edition of the much-anticipated Rajang River Music Festival (RRMF), held at Sibu Graffiti River project venue on Saturday night.
RRMF, undertaken by the Sibu Film Art Association (Microwave), will take place at Robert’s Wooden House at Jalan Kong Yit Khim for two days, starting Jan 18, 2025, from 11 am to midnight.
Ling highlighted that this festival was more than just an event, saying it was a vibrant testament to the power of creativity and the indomitable spirit of innovation that flowed through Sibu, just like the mightly Rajang River itself.
Sibu, he said, had immense potential to be tapped and that events like RRMF were essential to showcase local talents, nurture new ideas, and position the town as a hub for artistic expressions.
“By investing in our creative sectors, we are not just promoting arts and culture, we are fuelling a powerful economic engine that has the potential to uplift our entire community.
“At the heart of a thriving entertainment industry lie creativity and innovation. It is this combination that allows artists to break boundaries, blend genres, and push the limits of traditional performance.
“This festival itself embodies that spirit, transforming Sibu Graffiti River into a canvas where the old meets the new – where the tradition of our land converges with modern beats and melodies,” he explained.
Ling said to unlock the full potential of the local entertainment industry, there was a need to provide continuous support for the local artistes.
This, he added, included platforms like the festival, but it also meant investing in creative education, fostering public-private partnerships, and ensuring access to technology and resources that could elevate local artistes’ work to global standards.
Earlier, Microwave chairman, Chris Ling Jing stated that RRMF was inspired by the longest river in Malaysia.
“It is a celebration of music, diversity and the rich culture that defines Sibu as the cultural hub in Sarawak,” he explained.
