SIBU: The 9th edition of the Sibu International Dance Festival (SIDF) began on Friday night (June 9) with five foreign groups rejoining it.
Among the participants of the four-day event held from June 9 are performers from India, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Japan and Malaysia.
Deputy Minister for Tourism Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew officiated at the welcoming night at a renowned hotel here on Friday on behalf of the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Abdul Karim, in his text of speech read by Ting, congratulated the Hornland Dance Theatre for successfully organising this year’s festival which carried the theme “Jejak Angin”.
“I am glad to be here to mark the start of the 9th edition of the festival and we are proud that it can be hosted in Sibu again after a two-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
Abdul Karim was also glad that all the three signature events here, namely, SIDF, Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF), and Sibu Base Jump, were resuming this year following the opening up of the state borders and relaxation of the stringent COVID-19 standard operating procedures.
“We encourage more events and we recently supported “The Stage” which has received good response from the Sibu folk, particularly the youth,” he said.
Abdul Karim also pointed out that SIDF was a dance event which brought international artists from around the world to Sibu.
“You can watch the performances in the dance concerts which will be held in the Civic Centre and outdoor performances at the Central Market.
“You can also learn and exchange ideas in the dance workshops and obtain some knowledge from the seminars with different interesting and insightful topics that will be held in RH Hotel,” he added.
The minister also disclosed that Sibu had the potential to host more international and regional events and festivals as it was the gateway to the Central Region of Sarawak.
Meanwhile, Ting, in response to a request from the organiser who wished for a dance theatre to hold the festival in the future, gave his assurance that he would bring up the matter to Abdul Karim.
Earlier in his speech, Festival director, Chen Ing Kuan said the promotion of culture, art, and dance could be further enhanced if there was a proper stage for the artists to show their talents.
