KUCHING – Sarawak is set to showcase its growing cultural and creative strength through the upcoming Animation, Comics and Games (ACG) Concert 2026, which will take place on 31 January at Stadium Perpaduan, Petra Jaya.
The event is being positioned as a major cultural bridge between Sarawak and Japan, highlighting the state’s readiness to host international-scale performances.
The concert, organised by The Band Lab with support from the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts (MTCP), will combine traditional orchestral elements with contemporary pop culture influences. Officials say this blend reflects Sarawak’s ability to innovate while maintaining cultural authenticity.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts, and Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, explained that the concert has evolved from a local platform into a regional landmark event.
“This event started as a local music performance platform, but has now grown into a regional landmark event that reflects Sarawak’s ability to organise large-scale international-class performances,” he said during a press conference at the Baitul Makmur II Building in Petra Jaya.
The theme of the concert centres on “Bridges,” symbolising cultural connections between Sarawak and Japan.
Abdul Karim noted that this initiative builds on the success of the Sarawak International Band and Orchestra Festival (SIBOFest) 2024, which brought more than 70 Japanese musicians to Kuching.
That collaboration paved the way for the establishment of The Band Lab Japan, an official partner branch of The Band Lab Kuching, strengthening institutional ties between the two countries.
Several Japanese musicians will perform alongside Sarawakian talents at the concert, reinforcing bilateral cultural exchanges.
Abdul Karim expressed pride in the achievements of young Sarawakian musicians, who have gained international recognition through exchange programmes, including a cultural mission to Japan last year.
“Through this international exposure, they are not just performing music, but acting as young goodwill ambassadors who build bilateral relations and mutual respect between Sarawak and Japan,” he said.
The concert will also mark a milestone with the debut of Japan’s globally renowned dance group Avantgardey in Borneo. Their participation is expected to draw significant attention, adding to the event’s international appeal.
From a tourism and creative economy perspective, Abdul Karim highlighted that the concert aligns with the rising trend of concert tourism, where audiences travel across borders for high-quality artistic experiences.
He emphasised that such events not only enrich cultural diplomacy but also contribute to Sarawak’s economic growth.
In closing, Abdul Karim commended The Band Lab for its vision and determination in bringing the concert to life.
He encouraged Sarawakians to support the event and help create a vibrant atmosphere at Stadium Perpaduan, underscoring the importance of community participation in making the concert a success.
