KUCHING – The Sarawak International Festival of Music and Arts (SIFMA) 2025 returned in grand style with a spectacular two-night gala concert held on 6 and 7 December 2025 at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) in Kuching. Organised by IMH Music House and strongly supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, this sixth edition once again proved why SIFMA is now recognised as one of the region’s most vibrant cultural showcases.
Guests and VIPs began arriving from 7.15pm, followed shortly by the Guest of Honour, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, YB Datuk Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. The programme opened with the tone for a night celebrating Sarawak’s cultural heartbeat and its growing connection with the world.
The concert began with the theme “Sarawak to the World”, featuring ethnic inspirations, Sarawak Extra Vaganza, and Sarawak Welcomes You. These performances highlighted Sarawak’s deep-rooted identity, traditional stories, and multicultural unity. The segment demonstrated how far Sarawak’s creative scene has developed, holding fast to its heritage while aiming for international excellence.
The mood then shifted to “The World to Sarawak”, where global artists shared the stage with local performers. Piano soloist Harit Chunhanantasap moved the audience with Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty Adagio, followed by a powerful cello performance by Sinjo Yap accompanied by the SIFMA Symphony Orchestra. Dance troupes from local and international institutions added elegance and diversity, such as Dancer Interface Performing Arts, Dance Space, and Cstage Dance Academy.
Fashion took centre stage with three designer groups showcasing artistic creations from Dicky Ishak, Ulfa Mumtaza, Steffi Necole Paul, Jeny Tjahyawati, Gilbert Headhunter, and Dato’ Raymond Jolly—each presenting pieces that celebrated heritage, modern aesthetics, and Southeast Asian cultural identity. Their work strongly reflected the festival’s commitment to promoting both traditional craft and contemporary innovation.
The SIFMA Orchestra performed the lively Danzón No. 2 by Arturo Márquez, conducted by Mark Malony Martinez, before a short interval. More international acts followed, including the Shangyin Music Centre with Long Teng Hu Yue, the Kuching Guitar Orchestra with El Vito, and a stirring performance of Song of the Phoenix led by Hu Chenyun on the suona with orchestral accompaniment.
The global lineup continued with notable groups such as the Taiwan Bamboo Orchestra, Mahaka Music from Indonesia, Singapore Chinese Dance Theatre, B’dadali Dance Troupe from the Philippines, and traditional orchestras from Vietnam. These cross-cultural showcases underlined SIFMA’s growing international reputation.
The finale, Celebration Joget Sarawak, brought all performers together in a vibrant fusion of music, movement, and cultural unity—closing the night on an uplifting note.
Both Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and SIFMA Chairperson Dr Geraldine Law-Lee highlighted the importance of SIFMA as an international bridge for cultural exchange, talent development, and global artistic collaboration. They also expressed pride in Junior SIFMA, which aims to groom young Sarawakian talents for future international stages.
This edition also marked SIFMA’s expansion to Bintulu and Miri, allowing more Sarawakians to experience masterclasses and concerts while offering young talents a wider platform to grow.
With strong international participation and increasing global recognition, SIFMA 2025 stands as a powerful symbol of Sarawak’s cultural pride—celebrating art, music, fashion, and unity while opening doors for the next generation of talents.
