BY: BY ELVINA TING & ALEZXANDRIA KAPPLE
KUCHING: Borderland Music Festival (BMF) returns on 11 and 12 September 2026 at Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV), promising its biggest and most ambitious festival to date with an international lineup led by global superstars, KSHMR and Ben Nicky.
The BMF founder, Ing Xiang Ming, famously known as Tiger Ming, said that this music festival does not only aim to bring in international acts but to give local talent a big stage to shine.
“This year’s official festival song, the ‘Borderland Anthem’, was produced by an unknown DJ from Sibu who has never performed or gotten a break before, but the festival is giving him that big opportunity right here,” he said.
According to him, following a successful turnout of 18,000 attendees last year, the festival is targeting up to 22,000 people this edition, prompting a rapid surge in April that saw all Santubong accommodations fully booked within hours.
He further noted that the festival has welcomed 33,000 attendees over the past three years, and generated around RM10 million in economic impact, with hopes that this growing edition will become one of Southeast Asia’s biggest events to promote Borneo and Sarawak culture.
BMF organiser, Jeremy Yaw, added that they are targeting another RM8 million in direct economic impact for the state.
“The festival generates a massive economic spillover effect for Sarawak, as attendees tour the state, support cultural heritage experiences, and completely clear out the inventory of local artisans and food vendors.
“Last year, many food vendors sold out entirely on both days despite bringing extra stock on the second day, prompting them to prepare even larger quantities for this year’s edition,” he added.
Speaking to reporters at Baitul Makmur II during the press conference on BMF 2026, Tiger Ming said periodic giveaways had been hosted in their Telegram community since April as the festival is also building a massive international presence.
“We do offer a limited number of tickets, promo vouchers, and merchandise through interactive games, and the community includes past festival-goers, using the platform to share music, photos and experiences.
“Last year, the festival attracted international attendees from countries like America, the Netherlands, Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, and across Europe, with many proudly displaying their national flags.
“This year, the larger international artist line-up is expected to draw even more global fans who travel worldwide to follow their favourite DJs,” he said.
