KUCHING: The Batu Lintang International Islamic Arts Festival 2026 (BLIIAF) is set to take place from Nov 20 to 23, bringing together educators, scholars and students from across the Asia-Pacific region to celebrate Islamic arts, culture and digital innovation.
The proposed festival received the support of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during a courtesy call by the organisers at the Satria Pertiwi Complex here today (July 1).
Aminuddin Baki Institute senior deputy director Dr Abang Ismail Abang Julhi said Abang Johari welcomed the initiative and suggested further strengthening its international profile.
“Following our presentation, the Premier, together with Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, expressed support for the programme and suggested that we further enhance its international element.
“Based on that recommendation, we are targeting at least 30 per cent international participation,” he told reporters after the meeting.
Abang Ismail said the festival is aimed at educators, education leaders and prominent figures from across Asia and the Asia-Pacific, while also involving Malaysian educators, teacher trainees and students.
He said the event is expected to serve as a platform for education thinkers to exchange ideas while promoting Islamic arts and related educational activities.
Among the proposed programmes are nasyid competitions, Jawi calligraphy, forums and Islamic arts exploration activities incorporating digital technology into teaching and learning.
The festival will also feature a creative video competition highlighting digital elements, providing students with opportunities to showcase innovation through Islamic arts.
Abang Ismail said participation will be open to school students, higher education students, teacher trainees from the Institute of Teacher Education (IPG), international university students and community groups, including village participants competing in the nasyid category.
The festival will be held across four venues, with the main locations being IPG Kampus Batu Lintang, Dewan Majmaand Masjid Darul Hana.
Also present during the courtesy call was Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Hall and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi.
