KUCHING: Music has the power to connect people across borders, cultures, and languages. For Dr Geraldine Law Lee, Executive Director of IMH Music House and Adjunct Professor at Sunway University, every musical collaboration is an opportunity to strengthen friendships and create greater understanding between communities.
In an exclusive interview with Sarawak Daily, Dr Geraldine shared her experience representing Kuching and Sarawak at a recent cultural concert in Chengdu, China, where she engaged with leading musicians, composers, and conductors from China, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
She said the opportunity was a great honour as it allowed her to showcase Sarawak’s vibrant arts scene while building stronger cultural links with international partners.
“It is truly an honour and a privilege. I am proud to represent Kuching and Sarawak through music and the arts. Every opportunity to perform and collaborate internationally allows us to showcase Sarawak’s rich cultural diversity while building meaningful friendships with artists from around the world,” she said.
Dr Geraldine explained that her visit to Chengdu was focused on strengthening Malaysia-China cultural and educational connections through music.
She believes music serves as a universal language that can bring people together regardless of nationality or background.
“Through music, we can connect people beyond language and borders. Cultural exchange allows us to understand each other better and create long-lasting relationships,” she said.
During her visit, Dr Geraldine also promoted Kuching as the host city for the Delphic International Convention and Games 2027, an international arts event often described as the “Olympics of the Arts”.
She said hosting such a prestigious event would provide Sarawak with an important platform to introduce its cultural heritage and creative talents to the world.
Apart from promoting Sarawak internationally, Dr Geraldine also conducted auditions for the Sarawak International Festival of Music and Arts (SIFMA), which continues to grow as a platform for performers from different countries.
She said SIFMA aims to bring together talented musicians and artists while encouraging cultural exchange through performances and collaboration.
“We hope to discover talented performers who can share their traditions while creating opportunities for cultural exchange. Our vision is to make Sarawak one of Asia’s leading destinations for international arts festivals,” she said.
Dr Geraldine also shared her excitement about the upcoming SIFMA 7th Edition, saying the organisers remain hopeful that this year’s festival will continue to attract outstanding performers and audiences while strengthening Sarawak’s reputation in the international arts community.
One of the key moments during her Chengdu visit was her discussion with Professor Ao Xiang from Chengdu University on possible future collaborations.
Dr Geraldine said both sides explored ways to combine Chinese orchestral techniques with Malaysian musical elements to create new artistic works.
She stressed that international collaboration does not mean losing cultural identity, but instead provides opportunities to enrich and develop new forms of artistic expression.
“It is about learning from each other while preserving our own cultural roots,” she said.
When asked about the role of cultural exchange in Malaysia-China relations, Dr Geraldine said arts and music could help create deeper understanding between nations.
“Culture creates understanding. When artists, educators, and students come together, they build trust and lasting friendships. Music becomes a bridge that brings communities closer together,” she said.
She also encouraged young musicians and artists in Sarawak to continue developing their skills and remain open to international opportunities.
Dr Geraldine said young talents should be proud of their cultural heritage while continuing to explore new ideas and experiences.
“Believe in your talent and continue learning. The world is becoming more connected, and Sarawak’s young talents have many opportunities to share their creativity internationally,” she said.
Looking towards the future, Dr Geraldine hopes Sarawak will become a recognised international hub for music, arts, and cultural exchange.
She believes initiatives such as SIFMA and the Delphic International Convention and Games 2027 will help bring more global attention to Sarawak while providing opportunities for local artists to connect with the world.
Through music, education, and international partnerships, Dr Geraldine hopes to continue building bridges between Malaysia, China, and the global arts community.
