KUCHING, 2 Dec — The Junior Sarawak International Festival of Music and Arts (Junior SIFMA) 2025 delivered a strong and heartfelt celebration of young talent tonight at Auditorium Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce, marking another successful milestone for Sarawak’s growing performing arts scene.
Organised by IMH Music House with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP), the festival gathered young performers, educators, and parents for an evening that showcased discipline, passion, and cultural pride. The event brought together participants from Sarawak, Penang, Indonesia, and several established dance and music institutions — proving that the region’s youth are ready for the global stage.
In her message, Organising Chairperson and Executive Director of IMH Group of Companies, Dr Geraldine Law Lee, expressed deep gratitude to educators and parents who continue to guide the next generation. She emphasised that Junior SIFMA serves as a platform to train young performers not only in skill, but in character — instilling values such as perseverance, humility, respect, and gratitude.
She also shared her hope that future performances at the upcoming Sarawak Performance Arts Center will welcome all attending educators as priority guests. At the same time, she called for continued collaboration, inviting partners to provide opportunities for Sarawakian performers abroad in future cultural exchanges.
Tonight’s programme opened with Roots of Sarawakian Harmony led by Mr Thalib, highlighting traditional rhythms that set the tone for the festival. This was followed by the IMH Junior & Youth Choir performing Sarawak Welcomes You, supported by the rhythmic expressions of Ethnica.
The night continued with impressive solo performances, including Zigeunerweisen by violinist Constant Noah Chong, and Magnetic Ray by pianist Keith Lim Tze Jie, both of whom captivated the audience with their technical skill and emotional maturity.
Dance academies including Tyng Dance Academy, En Pointe Ballet Academy, The Ballet and Dance House, and Sparkle Collective brought a mix of classical ballet, contemporary dance, Latin styles, and Sarawak ethnic movements to the stage. Their performances demonstrated strong training under respected instructors and showcased years of dedication by young dancers.
The multicultural showcase also featured Persatuan Kesenian Sri Sarawak (PKSS) and Lawai Creative Performing Arts (LCPA), presenting dynamic Sarawak ethnic dances that honoured the state’s diverse heritage.
Notable young talents also took the spotlight, including internationally recognised violinist Imran Azim bin Iskandar, Indonesian pianist Samuel Lin Tian, and several rising performers who have represented their schools, academies, and countries with distinction.
The finale, performed by IMH Junior Orchestra under conductor Mr Mark Malony Martinez, brought the hall to life with a spirited performance of Radetzky March, closing the evening on a festive and uplifting note.
Dr Law Lee encouraged guests and visitors to explore Sarawak’s rich cultural attractions during their stay, while reminding all performers to continue honing their skills with gratitude and humility.
The success of Junior SIFMA 2025 reflects Sarawak’s commitment to nurturing young artists and strengthening the state’s identity as a regional hub for performing arts.
