KUCHING: Sarawak will have its own ‘Istana Budaya’ providing individuals a platform to showcase their artistic and creative talents, said Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts was referring to the old State Legislative Assembly building which will be converted into a Centre of Performing Arts.
“I’m happy to announce that our Centre of Performing Arts will commence, with construction to be completed in two years’ time.
“At least we are going to have our own ‘Istana Budaya’ where individuals have a dedicated place to showcase their talent or skills in the future,” he said during the Kuching’s Got Talent Finale prize presentation ceremony at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Open Theatre yesterday (Aug 13).
Abdul Karim was happy to see many participants in the Kuching’s Got Talent competition and from his observation, performing arts, creativity and art are here to stay.
“We can see that the Kuching’s Got Talent, which is part of the Kuching Festival programme, saw over 300 participants taking part and this reflects that Sarawak, despite having a small population of over 2.4 million people, is not lacking in terms of talent.
“The participation even includes those from the ballet or performing arts academy in Kuching or other parts of Sarawak,” he said.
He noted that the young ones need a place to showcase their talent and Kuching’s Got Talent is one of the avenues.
“It is just like in sports, as you keep on training, there must also be a place for you to showcase. And it is during those competitions where you will know where you stand among your peers,” he said.
He hoped the Centre of Performing Arts, once ready, would host public showcases every two weeks, thus contributing to Kuching’s vibrancy for both locals and tourists.
On a related note, Abdul Karim said that Sarawak is organising diverse events, including those on music, food and culture.
“For instance, the Kuching Festival is drawing visitors to enjoy the food and at the same time benefiting local vendors. Hence, there is spin off in the economy,” he said.
Later Abdul Karim presented the prizes to the winners of various categories. The dancing category saw Heart2Heart, Dion Das Louis, and 5 of Us securing first, second, and third spots respectively.
In the singing category (aged 12 and below), Kingsley Bong, Natalie Chai and Sheryl came in first, second and third respectively.
Meanwhile, Brian Chong, Sabarina Mohd Othman and Wong Li Yii won the first, second and third spots respectively in the singing category (aged 13 and above).
The event also saw the presentation of prizes to winners from the Other Talent category. Chung Hua Middle School No 4 came in first place, Bung Rentak second, and third, Bong Foo Yong.
Abdul Karim’s wife Datin Seri Zuraini Abdul Jabbar, Kuching Resident Datuk Sherrina Hussaini, MBKS Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng and Kuching’s Got Talent organising chairman Isaac Lee were among those present.
