SIBU: The first-ever Blast Youth Forum 2025 is opening a new chapter for this town, with great potential to be elevated as a centre for creative arts and cultural exchange at the ASEAN level.
Bukit Assek Assemblyman, Joseph Chieng Jin Ek, believed that youth forums like this can shape Sibu’s future as a major destination for performing arts and youth talent development in the region.
“If this programme run continuously and is made an annual iconic event, it is not impossible that Sibu will be known as a meeting point for modern culture and art that transcends borders,” he said at the forum’s opening ceremony held at a prominent hotel here today.
According to Chieng, the forum will not only feature entertainment elements such as K-pop dance, but will also emphasise aspects of personal development, creativity, and youth community building.
He explained that modern dance is not just entertainment; it is an educational medium that teaches youth about discipline, cooperation, perseverance and the courage to express themselves positively.
“At the same time, it promotes a healthy lifestyle and builds high self-confidence among participants,” he added.
The forum also saw participation from neighbouring countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore and other ASEAN countries, making it a unique platform to strengthen regional ties through the universal language of art.
“Arts and culture are bridges between nations. Sibu is now strategically positioned to become a creative meeting point in Southeast Asia if we continue to support events like this,” said Chieng.
He also urged all parties, including the government, youth organisations and the private sector, to work together to ensure the continuity of this forum, thus driving a sustainable arts ecosystem in Sibu.
Also present were Sibu Creative Arts Activists Club’s Chairman, John Hii; Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) Senior Business Development Manager, Donny Tan Yee; and organising chairperson, Jasmine Tou.
