JESOLO: Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage shone brightly in Italy as Sekolah Seni Malaysia Sarawak clinched first place and the Best Choreography award at the World Cup of Folklore–Sopravista International Festival, celebrating the beauty of Borneo through music, dance and tradition.
The 22nd edition of the festival was held in Jesolo, Italy, from May 23 to 26, under the theme “Le Spiagge d’Italia.”
The competition aimed to introduce Malaysian arts and culture at the international level, provide global exposure to students in the performing arts, foster cultural ties with other countries and enhance students’ confidence and professionalism in showcasing artistic work.
Throughout the festival, various activities were organised, including international open-stage performances, folklore and modern performance competitions, cultural exchange sessions, rehearsals and judging.
Sekolah Seni Malaysia Sarawak presented a series of traditional and contemporary performances that highlighted Malaysia’s cultural identity.
Their main showcase, themed “Beautiful of Borneo,” focused on the Iban and Ulu ethnic groups, two of the largest and most celebrated communities in Sarawak.
The Malaysian contingent consisted of 18 individuals from Sarawak: three teachers and 15 students. The group was led by teacher Noriakama Rakimu, with Mohd Fitri Jefferidin serving as music director and Aizat Mohiden as choreography advisor.
Student Mohammad Sharul Aiman Abdullah served as both choreographer director and student leader.
Though primarily theatre majors, the students competed in dance alongside groups from various countries, demonstrating their exceptional talent in both dance and music.
The participating performers, including dancers, musicians and vocalists, were:
Mohammad Sharul Aiman Abdullah, Faustina Isabella Gordon, Alicea Santa Geoferry Libin, Aidid Wafiy Wari, Nur Syarienna Superjo, Alphonsus Rudolph Gemasthy, Adam Muhammad Abdul Razak, Cristal Queency Sevester Naman, Angeliciana Iyanna Andrie, Estifania Elysha Barnabas Budin, Nurul Damia Anis, Awangku Damian Ashraaf Awangku Mohammad, Nur Amna Nafeesa Abdullah Karim, Dayangku Mya Rashiqa Awangku Mohammad and Zalfa Dania Ramzi.
It was a great honour for the school to represent Malaysia at this international event — and they brought pride to the nation by winning first place in Category E: Folklore Mixed Ensemble – Authentic Performances (Live Vocal, Instrumental and Dance).
Additionally, the Best Choreography award was presented to Mohammad Sharul Aiman Abdullah.
Heartfelt appreciation goes to all sponsors and supporters, including Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP), Yayasan Sarawak, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri (Minister of Women, Family and Community Development), the Sports, Arts and Co-Curriculum Division (BSKK), the Theatre Department of Sekolah Seni Malaysia Sarawak, TM Tours & Travel, Cikgu Masniah (KESUMA TARI), the Music Department of Sekolah Seni Malaysia Sarawak, the Parent-Teacher Association and the Dance Department.