KUCHING: Sarawak is actively organising music festivals in line with efforts to turn Kuching into a ‘city with a soul’, said Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
“Even the Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg wants Kuching to be a city with a soul by hosting more musical festivals so that it will be a lively place for locals and tourists as well,” he added.
Abdul Karim said this at a press conference for the third edition of the Kuching Waterfront Jazz Festival (KWJF) that will be held on September 27-28 at Kuching Waterfront @ Grand Margherita Hotel Kuching.
He added that Sarawak is well known for its unique culture and music as well as adventure.
“Therefore we will make greater effort in organising more musical festivals in order to attract more tourists to come and enjoy our unique culture.
“We can’t make Sarawak a shopping paradise but we can offer tourists the unique culture, music as well as adventure,” he assured.
He added that in line with the Visit Sarawak Campaign, a lot of events would be happening every month in order to attract more tourists as well as meet their expectations.
“We also encourage more conferences to be held in Kuching so that when participants come for conferences, they can also participate in the festival, hence enjoying the
culture that Sarawak offers.”
Deputy general manager of Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) Edwin Abit said the KWJF has evolved from a jazz concert into a social and
community event.
Among the performing artistes include Ning Baizura (Malaysia), Harvey Malaihollo (Indonesia), Saxx In The City (Indonesia), Xanaduduo (UK/Sarawak), Z Yan (Malaysia), Q Sound (UK), Dave Brewer & The DooDaddies (Australia), Ushera (Malaysia), Nisa Addina (Sarawak), Sitti Navarro (Philippines), Dawn Wong & The Shanghai Jazz Club (Singapore) and Swaiv (Sarawak).
