KUCHING: A tribute to the late Teresa Teng is set to revive memories of a musical era that shaped generations while reinforcing Sarawak’s position as a growing hub for cultural tourism.
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the upcoming Teresa Teng 31st Memorial Tribute Concert 2026 reflects the enduring legacy of one of Asia’s most influential singers.
Teng’s music continues to resonate across generations, particularly among those who grew up during the peak of her career in the 1970s and 1980s.
“Although younger audiences today may not be as familiar with her, Teresa Teng was among the greatest singers Asia has ever produced and many of us grew up listening to her songs,” Abdul Karim said during a press conference held at the Sarawak Club here on Tuesday (April 7).
He noted that Teng’s influence transcended language and borders, with nearly 2,000 songs recorded in Mandarin, English and Japanese.
He said her ability to connect with audiences across cultures cemented her status as a global icon, with several of her songs adapted into multiple languages.
Describing the tribute concert as a timely initiative, he said it offers audiences an opportunity to relive cherished memories while introducing Teng’s music to a new generation.
“At the same time, it is important that the performances cater to a wider audience, including English-language songs that were also part of her repertoire.”
He revealed that the concert, to be held at Pullman Kuching, will have a seating capacity of about 1,500 per night over two days, bringing the total to approximately 3,000 attendees.
“With the right promotion, it will be snapped up within a matter of hours. The number of fans in Sarawak alone is already strong, and we also expect visitors from Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore and West Malaysia.”
Abdul Karim added that there are also plans to open ticket sales to international audiences but expressed hope that sufficient tickets would remain available for local fans.
He expressed confidence that the concert would draw strong interest, noting that the limited seating capacity could see tickets snapped up quickly.
Abdul Karim said such events also contribute to the tourism sector, with the potential to attract visitors from within Malaysia and neighbouring countries.
Meanwhile, Evac Holdings Group Sdn Bhd executive director Michael Liong said the concert reflects a broader vision to position Sarawak as a regional cultural hub capable of hosting world-class productions.
“We are committed to making this concert a resounding success, not just as a music event but as a showcase of Sarawak’s ability to host a world-class international production.”
The Teresa Teng 31st Memorial Tribute Concert 2026 is brought to Sarawak through a collaboration involving APEC and Luxe Entertainment, featuring tribute artists endorsed by the Teresa Teng Foundation.
