KUCHING: The vision of the Sarawak International Festival of Music and Arts (Sifma) 2.0 is to enhance the visibility of Sarawak’s great gifts, showcasing the state’s culture and arts and especially its genuine and harmonious spirit to the global stage.
Founder and organising chairperson of Sifma Dr Geraldine Law-Lee emphasised that these were Sarawak’s great assets.
“In the global pandemic, we have seen arts and culture take a backstage whilst focus remains on health and essential services.
“Working with the societies and musicians and hearing from them, it is my heart’s desire tonight to share with everyone the joy that all these can return again,” she said.
She said this in her speech at the Sifma concert held at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex here on Saturday night (Nov 20), which was attended by caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang.
She said once everything reopened, it was only arts and culture that were the actual heartbeat and face of the state to the world.
“The doors have just opened and the government must be applauded and appreciated for the brave steps taken to move and ensure life is back to the arts and communities once again through Sifma,” said Law-Lee, who is also International Music House (IMH) executive director.
She pointed out that Sifma this time around was not just for the physical audience in attendance but rather an experience which could be shared by all segments of society and even to audiences across the world, facilitated by digital technology.
She also expressed her appreciation for the strong support provided by the chief minister and Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah to the state’s arts sector, which she described as the heart of Sarawak.
“I am truly amazed because not many leaders think and care for the heart part of the state. We are so blessed that our chief minister and culture minister are both ever so supportive and appreciative of arts and culture and the heart of Sarawak. It will remain ever beating, fully balancing all the sectors,” she said.
In the second edition of Sifma, she said efforts had been made to ensure that all ethnic communities were included as the pride of Sarawak to be showcased to the world.
Law-Lee said through Sifma 2.0, they had managed to begin an international forum connecting top world conductors, movers of the arts, artists, and university and society heads.
“Many venue partners and parties are going to watch Sifma virtually tonight and tomorrow. And friends in small parties are holding great get-togethers to see Sifma live all around the world – in the United Kingdom (UK), Russia, Europe, United States of America (USA), Canada, China, India, Taiwan, The Philippines, Africa, Indonesia, and Australia,” she said.
Also present were Abdul Karim and his wife Datin Seri Zuraini Abdul Jabbar, DUN Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, and other guests.
