KUCHING: The Sarawak International Choral Festival & Symposium (SICFest & Sym) 2026 concluded in grand style here on Sunday (June 21), marking the successful completion of yet another edition of the international choral festival that brought together performing arts practitioners from across the globe.
The prestigious event was graced by Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Haji Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
In his speech at the closing ceremony, Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah reaffirmed the state government’s continued commitment to supporting the development of arts and culture, as well as the hosting of international-standard events that contribute to tourism growth, cultural exchange and talent development.
This year’s festival brought together more than 1,200 registered participants comprising delegates, adjudicators, conductors and choir groups from six countries, namely the United States, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia.
The festival continues to play a key role in promoting artistic excellence, music education, cross-cultural understanding and international friendship through the universal language of music.
Guests were also treated to a special performance by the KCS Festival Choir, featuring singers from diverse backgrounds, ages, ethnicities and countries, reflecting the spirit of unity at the core of the festival’s mission.
A highlight of the ceremony was the procession of the SICFest Golden Kenyalang Grand Prix Trophy, the festival’s highest honour, which drew attention as seven top choir groups from Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines advanced to the final stage after delivering outstanding performances and demonstrating high artistic standards throughout the competition.
