MIRI: As the Borneo Jazz Festival returns this weekend, Miri is positioning itself as a regional centre for music tourism, bringing artists and audiences from Malaysia, Asia and other countries to the popular resort at Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club here.
The three-day festival, themed ‘Jazzy Miri’, runs from October 31 to November 2 and is expected to draw both local and international visitors.
Organisers say the event has grown beyond its role as a music showcase, serving as a platform for cultural exchange, creative collaboration and community participation.
Speaking at the press conference on Friday, Miri Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang said the festival reflects the city’s confidence as it develops its cultural identity.
“The Borneo Jazz Festival continues to grow as one of Sarawak’s most celebrated events. It brings together rhythm, creativity and community. I am proud that Miri has become a home for world-class music and cultural exchange,” he said.
This year’s line-up includes artists from Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, China, Korea and the United States.
Performances will be hosted by Kim Goodburn and Melisha Lin across the two main concert nights.
Alongside the music programme, the festival will feature an artisan market operating daily from 11:00 am until late night.
Around 20 local vendors are expected to take part, offering crafts, food and small-scale cultural products. Exhibitions and creative workshops will also run throughout the weekend.
“Beyond music, the Borneo Jazz Festival is a celebration of connection and sustainability. Visitors can explore the artisan market along with exhibitions and workshops that encourage public participation,” Yii added.
On Sunday, the annual Groove Challenge will see ten emerging bands compete for a RM5,000 cash prize and a performance slot at next year’s festival.
This year’s festival is supported by a range of partners from the tourism, hospitality, education, creative and corporate sectors, including the Sarawak Tourism Board, Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club, Pullman Hotel Miri, Curtin University Malaysia, and others.
The Borneo Jazz Festival has been held in Miri since 2006 and remains one of Sarawak’s longest-running music events, contributing to the city’s efforts to strengthen its cultural tourism profile.
