KUCHING: Sports Toto Malaysia (Sports Toto) has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to community development by contributing RM40,000 to support Kuching Got Talent 2026 to be held during the upcoming Kuching Festival.
The generous sponsorship aimed at strengthening the annual competition’s role in nurturing local performing arts talent.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor, Datuk Wee Hong Seng, said the sponsorship reflects Sports Toto’s unwavering support for the festival over more than two decades.
“This partnership has enabled MBKS to organise quality programmes promoting arts, culture, healthy lifestyles and community engagement,” he told reporters during a press conference at Level 3A, Committee Room, MBKS on Friday (July 10).
“We are truly grateful to Sports Toto for its generous RM40,000 sponsorship. Their steadfast support has empowered us to continue providing a valuable platform for local talents to showcase their abilities and pursue their dreams,” said Wee.
Wee said Kuching Got Talent has evolved into one of the signature attractions of the Kuching Festival, offering aspiring singers and dancers opportunities to gain experience, build confidence, and celebrate Kuching’s diverse cultural identity through artistic performances.
He said that this year’s two-day auditions attracted an overwhelming response, with 126 entries received across five competition categories.
“This team comprised 14 Cultural and Classical Dance entries, 17 Contemporary and Urban Dance teams, 45 Junior Singing contestants, 27 Youth Singing contestants and 23 Open Singing contestants.
Following the auditions, seven Cultural and Classical Dance teams advanced directly to the Grand Final.
Meanwhile, 13 Contemporary and Urban Dance teams, 20 Junior Singing contestants, 15 Youth Singing contestants and 13 Open Singing contestants secured places in the semi-finals after impressing the judging panel.
“We hope this competition will continue inspiring young people to pursue excellence in music and dance, and one day represent Kuching and Sarawak on national and international stages,” Wee added.
The semi-finals are scheduled for August 15, followed by the Grand Final on August 16 at the MBKS Theatre, Kuching Park.
Attractive cash prizes and trophies will be awarded across all five categories, with the highest champion’s prize reaching RM2,500.
“Members of the public are invited to attend and support the contestants while celebrating Kuching’s vibrant creative and cultural talents,” he concluded.
