KUCHING – The Sarawak International Choral Festival and Symposium 2026 (SICFest) concluded on Sunday with a closing ceremony graced by the Sarawak Governor, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar, and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Hajjah Fauziah binti Mohd Sanusi.
The event, held at the Rainforest Ballroom of the Voco Hotel, marked the finale of a three-day celebration of music, culture, and international collaboration.
The Governor and his wife were welcomed by the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, alongside senior officials, festival organisers, and distinguished guests.
The ceremony opened with a cultural performance titled Rengah Kenyalang by Anak Warisan Kenyalang, reflecting Sarawak’s diverse heritage and the unity of its multi-ethnic communities.
This was followed by a welcome address from festival director Benedict Lo Jin Chi and a performance by the Kuching Choral Society.
A key moment of the evening was the awarding of the SICFest Gold Trophy to the choir from the Philippines, who triumphed in the Grand Prix competition.
The Governor and Toh Puan personally presented the award, recognising the ensemble’s outstanding artistry and dedication.
In his remarks, Tun Wan Junaidi praised the organisers for successfully bringing together choirs from across the globe.
He emphasised that such festivals not only showcase musical excellence but also strengthen international friendships and cultural understanding.
“Events like this unite communities across borders and highlight Sarawak’s unique identity on the world stage,” he said.
The governor also expressed hope that SICFest would continue to expand in future years, serving as a platform for creative industry growth and tourism promotion.
His comments echoed the vision of the Ministry of Tourism, which has positioned the festival as a cornerstone of Sarawak’s cultural calendar.
This year’s edition attracted over 1,200 participants, including 11 international choirs from countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
The programme featured adjudicated competitions, friendship concerts at local malls, and workshops led by international experts.
Topics ranged from Thai musical traditions to Sarawak’s indigenous Kenyah songs, offering participants both artistic and cultural enrichment.
The festival’s expansion since its inaugural edition in 2025 reflects Sarawak’s growing reputation as a hub for choral arts.
Organised by the Kuching Choral Society, SICFest has become a platform for singers of all ages, from schoolchildren to senior citizens, to share their passion for music.
As the closing ceremony drew to a close, the atmosphere was one of celebration and pride. The Philippines’ victory underscored the international spirit of the festival, while Sarawak’s leadership reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing the arts as a driver of community cohesion and tourism.
