KUCHING – The ASEAN UniFest Competition 2025, held alongside the ASEAN International Film Festival & Awards (AIFFA), has once again provided a stage for young filmmakers from across the region to present their creativity and strengthen Sarawak’s position in the global film and tourism industry.
The event, hosted at The Spring Mall, brought together university students from ASEAN nations to showcase short films and creative projects.
Organisers highlighted the importance of nurturing young talent as part of the wider effort to build a sustainable creative economy in Sarawak.
Sarawak’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, emphasised that the creative sector, particularly film, is a cornerstone of the state’s economic growth.
He noted that the industry not only generates employment but also enhances Sarawak’s appeal as a destination for creative tourism.
“In Sarawak, our ministry provides funds for those interested in studying filmmaking or production. These funds can be used to pursue master’s programmes or workshops, thus producing capable film instructors,” he said during his address at the ceremony.
Datuk Snowdan also drew attention to the upcoming Performing Arts Centre, a RM300 million project expected to be one of the most advanced facilities in Southeast Asia.
The centre, he explained, will be capable of hosting international events ranging from orchestras and operas to theatrical performances.
“This project is worth about RM300 million. This arts centre will be on par with the Istana Budaya and is one of the first in Southeast Asia. It will be able to host various international events from orchestras, operas to theatres,” he added.
The Deputy Minister expressed gratitude to AIFFA organisers and the ASEAN Public Relations Network for creating a platform where students could share perspectives on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through film.
He stressed that such initiatives encourage young people to engage with pressing global issues while developing their creative skills.
The ceremony was attended by notable figures including AIFFA 2025 Festival Director Livan Tajang, Executive Directors Jaffri Amin and Shah Sidek, ASEAN UniFest Chairman Andrew Trigg, and Dr Alexander Mamby Aruan, Deputy Managing Director of the ASEAN Public Relations Network Accreditation and Certification Programme.
Guests from the film industry, media representatives, and university students also joined the event, underscoring the regional significance of the festival.
AIFFA, first launched in 2013, has become a recognised platform for ASEAN filmmakers, promoting collaboration and cultural exchange across the region.
The inclusion of UniFest reflects Sarawak’s commitment to nurturing future talent and positioning itself as a hub for creative industries.
With the Performing Arts Centre set to elevate Sarawak’s cultural infrastructure and AIFFA continuing to attract international attention, the state is reinforcing its role as a leader in creative tourism and film development.
