KUCHING: Sarawak is positioning major concerts as a key driver of economic growth and tourism, with upcoming events expected to attract audiences from across the region.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) Datuk Snowdan Lawan said such concerts present a crucial opportunity to boost the state’s economy in the coming years.
The announcement comes ahead of Indonesian star Andmesh Kamaleng’s full-scale concert, ‘A Night with Andmesh Kamaleng’, at Stadium Perpaduan on Nov 28.
Organised by Wazai Creative Solution (WCS) with support from MTCP, the event promises an international-standard concert experience for audiences across Borneo and neighbouring regions.
“This concert will undoubtedly create a meaningful and memorable experience for both Andmesh Kamaleng and his Sarawak fans, especially with his 1 hour and 30 minutes of anticipated live performance,” he said at a press conference at Jalan Borneo yesterday (Nov27).
He said ticket sales have already exceeded expectations, recording more than 3,000 tickets sold to date.
“The organiser projects that the event will attract music fans from Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Brunei and Indonesia, further cementing Sarawak’s status as a rising regional entertainment hub.
“To deliver a world-class experience, the concert will feature high-end stage production and advanced audiovisual systems, ensuring an immersive and intimate atmosphere from start to finish,” he said.
Snowdan added that MTCP Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah had earlier expressed confidence that Andmesh’s presence would invigorate Sarawak’s creative and tourism landscape, in line with the state’s aspiration to become a preferred destination for major live events.
The night will showcase a total of 10 performers, including pre-show and opening acts. Pre-show performances at 7.15 pm will feature Hasty and Zah Amirul, followed by opening acts at 8.30 pm by Hairie Francis, Ramles Walter, Gretchen Quirina and AIM 2025 award winner Ryenald Guntabid.
When asked whether the government plans to organise more large-scale concerts or festivals to promote Sarawak as an arts and music destination, Snowdan said such efforts will continue.
“Of course. As repeatedly stated by our Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim, our ministry has always been committed to organising major concerts in previous years, this year, and in the years to come,” he said.
He added that Sarawak’s improving international connectivity will further support these plans.
“Starting next year, we will have more direct routes from countries such as Indonesia (Jakarta), Korea, Japan, Thailand and other ASEAN nations. When big-name artists perform in Sarawak, their fans will likely travel here as well,” he said.
