Sarawak International Choral Festival and Symposium in June

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Abdul Karim (fourth left) with others poses for photograph while showing the event's posters after a press conference. Photo: Mohd Alif Noni

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KUCHING: Sarawak is poised to make a bold mark on the global music scene with the debut of the Sarawak International Choral Festival & Symposium (SICFest & SICSym) 2025, a ground-breaking event that will take place from June 13 to 15 at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre here.

Jointly organised by the Kuching Choral Society (KCS) and the Young Choral Academy (YCA), and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak and Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), this international festival is set to gather over 20 choirs from Malaysia and abroad for three days of musical exchange, competition, and cultural celebration.

“SICFest is more than just a festival, it’s a cultural bridge that introduces Sarawak’s rich heritage and creative talent to the world,” said Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

“This event is an important step in positioning Sarawak as a vibrant and dynamic epicentre for choral music in Southeast Asia.”

He also noted the government’s commitment to the performing arts sector, citing the upcoming world-class Performing Arts Centre in Sarawak, scheduled for completion in 2027, as a cornerstone of that vision.

“Our culture is rich. Our vision is clear,” he said.

“Through collaboration and creativity, we can position Sarawak as a regional hub for choral excellence and create lasting impact for generations to come.”

SICFest 2025 will feature adjudicated performances, a Grand Prix choral competition with cash prizes, and Friendship Concerts held in public spaces such as shopping malls, encouraging greater community involvement and cross-cultural interaction.

Running concurrently, the Sarawak International Choral Symposium (SICSym) is expected to attract over 600 delegates worldwide.

The symposium offers a robust programme of masterclasses and workshops led by international choral educators, including sessions by Vinzenz Weissenburger (Germany), Snežana Nena Brzaković (Germany), Dr Zechariah Goh (Singapore), and local talents from PUSAK & KCS (Malaysia).

These workshops are designed for conductors, choral singers, educators, and folk music enthusiasts.

“This event marks a bold new chapter for Sarawak’s performing arts landscape,” said festival director and KCS Chairman, Benedict Lo.

“SICFest is more than just a choral festival; it’s a cultural celebration, a learning hub, and a community-building platform for choirs, educators, and audiences alike.”

Business Events Sarawak’s Chief Executive Officer, Amelia Roziman, noted the festival’s role in boosting Sarawak’s creative economy and educational landscape.

“This festival and symposium is a catalyst for talent development and the growth of Sarawak’s creative economy,” she said.

The event will open with a performance by the SICFest Children’s Choir and the SICFestival Choir, and will close with a special appearance by the internationally acclaimed Kinderchor der Staatsoper Unter den Linden from Berlin, Germany.

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