KUCHING: A major orchestral-pop concert scheduled later this month is being positioned as a landmark event for Sarawak’s creative industry, reflecting the state’s growing capacity to host international-scale stadium productions while strengthening cultural ties with Japan.
The ACG Concert 2026, set for January 31 at Stadium Perpaduan Negeri Sarawak in Petra Jaya, is organised by The Band Lab with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP).
The concert, launched initially as a local showcase, has evolved into a regional event blending orchestral discipline with modern pop culture.
“This concert is a bold statement of Sarawak’s readiness and capabilities in hosting international-scale stadium spectacles that merge the traditional discipline of an orchestra with the high-energy world of modern pop culture,” Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said at a press conference today.
He said the core theme of the concert centres on building a ‘Sarawak-Japan Cultural Bridge’, describing the initiative as an example of cultural diplomacy in action.
“What we are witnessing today is a highly effective form of cultural diplomacy, and the collaboration was built on the foundation of the Sarawak International Band and Orchestra Festival (SIBOFest), first held in 2024,” he said.
The festival brought more than 70 Japanese musicians to Kuching, leading to long-term institutional ties, including the establishment of Band Lab Japan as a sister branch of its Kuching-based organisation.
Several Japanese musicians are expected to perform alongside local artists at the upcoming concert.
“This is not just a local performance. It involves performers from outside Sarawak, and that is what makes it global,” he said.
A key highlight of the concert will be the first-ever Borneo performance by Avantgardey, a globally recognised Japanese dance group.
Abdul Karim described their inclusion as a milestone for the local creative industry.
“Integrating a global act of this stature into our local orchestral production proves that Sarawak’s artistic vision is beyond epic.
“We are no longer just a city of heritage, but a dynamic, modern hub where global art meets the heart of Sarawak,” he said.
Additionally, Abdul Karim said large-scale concerts were increasingly essential drivers of the creative economy and the tourism sector, noting the rise of “concert tourism”, in which fans travel across borders for high-quality cultural experiences.
“This concert is a massive engine for our creative economy.
“It provides a professional platform for local musicians, singers and technical crews, and gives our youth the chance to work at an international standard through stadium-scale production,” he said.
Furthermore, he said that continued support for cultural exchanges and international collaborations would help build confidence among young Sarawakian performers and position the state as a premier creative arts destination in Southeast Asia.
Ticket prices for the concert range from RM198 to RM438 and can be purchased at https://www.ticket2u.com.my/event/43801/the-acg-concert.
The concert is also expected to attract anime and cosplay enthusiasts, with attendees encouraged to attend in costume, provided it does not obstruct the view or affect the experience of other concertgoers.
