KUCHING: With over 15,000 tickets already sold, the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2025 is shaping up to be one of its most anticipated editions yet.
Featuring more than 200 performers from 20 countries and themed ‘Connections: One Earth, One Love’, this year’s festival promises to be the most inclusive and environmentally aligned in its 28-year history.
Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) Chief Executive Officer, Sharzede Salleh Askor, said the strong registration figures reflect growing anticipation for the event.
“As of today, we have already sold 15,000 tickets. Every year, we’ve exceeded our targets, and we hope to do the same this year.
“We also hope that those attending other events happening around that time will take the opportunity to join us at the RWMF,” she said.
In honour of the partners who have played a pivotal role in the festival’s success, STB hosted a heartfelt Sponsors’ Appreciation Day.
The event recognised 14 major sponsors whose continued support has helped elevate RWMF into one of the world’s most iconic and eco-conscious music festivals.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the event was more than a gesture of gratitude.
He stressed that it reaffirmed the state’s belief in the power of strategic partnerships to drive tourism growth and cultural impact.
“The success of RWMF is neither built overnight, nor by one entity alone. It is built by those who believe in Sarawak’s potential. It is built by you, our dedicated sponsors, partners, and supporters.
“The collaboration between the public and private sectors continues to serve as a cornerstone of our tourism success.
“Through these partnerships, we are nurturing not only festivals, but also, a sustainable creative economy.
“This connects our aspiration to that of local communities and continues to build Sarawak’s brand as a responsible and forward-looking destination,” he said.
He said this in his speech during the Sponsors’ Appreciation Day held at the Imperial Hotel Kuching here today.
In a parallel highlight of the event, the Sarawak Tourist Guides Association (SkTGA) officially unveiled its Responsible Tourism Proclamation, a landmark initiative that reinforces Sarawak’s long-term commitment to sustainability, cultural preservation, and ethical guiding practices.
Abdul Karim noted that the initiative marks a significant step forward in raising the standards of tourism in the state.
“Through this initiative, SkTGA is affirming its dedication to responsible guiding practices, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship.
“It is a reflection of our broader state ambitions, aligning seamlessly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Sarawak government’s Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030,” he said.
He further emphasised that at its core, the proclamation is about fostering deeper connections between guide and visitor, culture and understanding, and tourism and its greater purpose.
“It reminds us that the most meaningful journeys are not just those we take across distances, but those that bring us closer to people, places, and the planet.
“As we chart our course towards Visit Malaysia Year 2026, initiatives like these, driven by passionate professionals and rooted in Sarawakian values, will play a vital role in shaping how we are seen and experienced by the world.
“They are the backbone of a tourism industry that is ethical, inclusive, and sustainable,” he said.
Highlighting the significance of collaboration, he added that partnerships are not merely about working together but about forging enduring bonds based on trust, shared purpose and belief in a greater vision.
“When we partner with intention, we create a lasting connection to our shared dreams and goals,” he added.
As the appreciation event celebrated these values, RWMF’s sponsors reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing the festival’s reach and experience.
Among the notable contributions, Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) returns as the Official Airline Partner, flying in all international artists and media personnel to Sarawak.
Festival-goers can also enjoy flight discounts by using promo codes MHRWMF25 for Malaysia Airlines or FYRWMF25 for Firefly, for bookings between March 12 and June 22, 2025, and travel between June 14 and June 29, 2025.
TVS and Sarawak Media Group (SMG) continue their role as the Official Broadcast Partner, while AmBank Group supports the event as Official Banking Partner, providing on-site payment terminals and offering a 5 per cent discount for AmBank credit cardholders.
Cuckoo International (Mal) Sdn Bhd contributes as a Platinum Sponsor by supplying filtered drinking water stations for both RWMF and the Rainforest in the City (RAYS) prelude. Carlsberg Marketing Sdn Bhd, returning for the third consecutive year, continues to advance a community-focused festival approach.
Plaza Merdeka and The Waterfront Hotel enhance visibility through integrated mall and hospitality promotions, while Proton Edar Sdn Bhd contributes by sponsoring one of the major prizes for an upcoming skill-based contest.
Further support comes from Etika Sdn Bhd (Pepsi) as the official non-alcoholic beverage partner, Wicked Wave Sdn Bhd (Ripcurl) as the official apparel partner, as well as Sarawak Energy Bhd, SD Guthrie International Professional Sdn Bhd as official sustainable partner, MyCar as the E-hailing partner, Trienekens, and CATS FM as a media partner.
Abdul Karim noted that these sponsors’ contributions have helped position Sarawak not only as a tourism destination but also as a cultural beacon, a sustainability champion, and a model of inclusive growth.
“As we prepare for RWMF 2025 and build momentum toward Visit Malaysia Year 2026, I urge all of us to continue this spirit of innovation, unity, and shared ownership.
“Let us continue to forge strong connections with each other, with our environment, and with the world.”
