KUCHING: The Sarawak International Choral Festival and Symposium (SICFest) 2026, to take place from June 18 to 21, is expected to attract more than 2,000 participants and accompanying guests from Malaysia and abroad, providing a significant boost to the state’s tourism and local economy.
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the festival, now entering its third year, continues to show encouraging growth, attracting participants from various countries including the United States, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines.
“I was personally surprised by the number of participants who will be attending. Two years ago, most participants were from around Kuching, but this year the festival has expanded to an international level.
“This shows that the festival is becoming increasingly recognised and gaining international acclaim despite being only in its third year,” he said during a SICFest 2026 press conference at Baitulmakmur II Building here on Wednesday.
According to him, participants from across Malaysia, including Sarawak, Sabah, Perak, Selangor, Penang and Johor, will also be taking part in the festival.
He said the presence of participants together with their family members and companions is expected to benefit the state’s tourism industry through increased demand for accommodation, food and beverage services, as well as tourism-related activities.
“They are not coming solely to compete, but also to enjoy local cuisine, visit tourist attractions, museums and explore the many tourism products available in Sarawak.
“This is very positive for our tourism industry because the participants’ presence extends beyond the competition itself and will generate economic spillover effects across various sectors,” he said.
Abdul Karim added that the festival serves not only as a choral competition but also as a platform for cultural exchange, friendship and mutual understanding among people from diverse backgrounds.
He noted that participants range from children and youths to adults and senior citizens.
“Through music, we are able to strengthen connections regardless of language, culture or geographical location.
“Choral music also nurtures discipline, teamwork and artistic expression while contributing to social unity,” he said.
Throughout the four-day festival, choir groups will perform at several locations, including major shopping malls in Kuching, allowing the public to enjoy their performances.
The festival will also feature a Grand Prix competition offering a cash prize of US$2,500 along with a special trophy for the overall champion.
The closing and prize-giving ceremony will be officiated by Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Tun Pehin Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, accompanied by his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
Abdul Karim said the Sarawak government will continue supporting programmes of this nature as they not only strengthen the development of arts and culture but also help position Sarawak as an internationally recognised destination for cultural events.
Also present were permanent secretary of the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP), Morshidi Fredrick, and chairman of the Kuching Choral Society, Benedict JC Lo.
