KUCHING: Thunderous applause filled the Kuching Waterfront’s (KWF’s) Godown Amphitheater last Saturday night after mesmerising performances by Chung Hua Middle School No. 1 Chinese Orchestra.
The school’s orchestra performances were an annual programme of Kuching Waterfront Management during the Chinese New Year season. In conjunction with Chap Goh Mei, the management organised a low-keyed celebration this year which was officiate at by Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports, Hii Chang Kee.
In his speech Hii pointed out on Sarawak’s cultural diversity and richness. He also urged domestic and foreign tourists to explore Sarawak and its diverse culture and attractions.
Hii later beat a Chinese drum to officially launch the Chap Goh Mei celebration.
Edwin Abit, Deputy General Manager and Director of Tourism and Hospitality Division of Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) also spoke at the event.
He ran through a list of Kuching Waterfront’s regular events such as Raya and Gawai performances and also its signature event, Waterfront Music Festival (WMF). WMF had all these years managed to discover talents such as Nading Rhapsody, At Adau and its champion last year, Suk’ Biniek.
Also present at the event were General Manager of Sara Urusharta Sdn Bhd, Alan Poh, Sarawak Arts Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Sharkawi Amit, Sarawak Convention Bureau’s General Manager of Government and Industry Relations,Chew Chang Guan, Deputy President of Sarawak Tourism Federation. Jane Lian Labang and Principal of Chung Hua Middle School No. 1, Yap Chong Guan.
Hii and the other guests also distributed mandarin oranges to the audience during the celebration.
The orchestra performance lasted for two hours. The orchestra comprises 50 members aged between 13 and 17 but later increased to more than 70 members during its encore performance.
