KUCHING – A sweeping new initiative aimed at transforming Borneo into a central node for Southeast Asia’s creative and technological sectors officially opened on 21 May 2026.
Hosted at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, the inaugural TEE.F.DEE 2026 festival runs from 21 May to 23 May. The three-day programme intends to weave together commercial enterprise, cultural diplomacy, and digital innovation under a single collaborative umbrella.
Standing for ‘The Friendship Diplomacy’, the project highlights a strategic push by regional authorities to elevate the local creative economy. The gathering serves as a meeting point for young talent, established brands, and industry leaders to explore emerging cross-border opportunities within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the wider region.
Organisers have designed the symposium to move beyond traditional trade fair formats. Instead, the schedule focuses heavily on experiential learning, live performances, and interactive storytelling. This approach aims to foster professional relationships through shared cultural experiences rather than conventional boardroom meetings.
The entire production is a joint venture between Kaizen Quality Sdn Bhd and The Sophie’s Choice Sdn Bhd. Creative direction is being spearheaded by Andy Manuhutu. Furthermore, the initiative has secured substantial backing from government bodies across borders.
Key institutional supporters include the Sarawak Craft Council, Business Events Sarawak, the Sarawak Tourism Board, and the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak. Across the border, Indonesia’s Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises is providing official support, alongside regional audio-visual trade associations from Singapore and Indonesia.
Organisers have placed a distinct emphasis on engaging younger demographics. The schedule is heavily tailored towards Generation Z, offering deep dives into digital art, modern fashion, and modern music culture.
Attendees can navigate the venue through four distinct thematic zones. The SEAMEX exhibition focuses on professional audio-visual and lighting equipment. Meanwhile, CRAFTXIBITION highlights contemporary artisanal goods and commercial trade.
For entertainment, the BEATROOT Festival provides international live music, while the COLLAB-HUB serves as a dedicated space for digital art innovation.
A robust series of panel discussions will accompany the exhibitions. Industry experts are slated to debate the integration of audio-visual technology in modern workplaces, ensuring corporate environments become more connected. Another session will explore how lighting and sound design can foster inclusive atmospheres within community worship spaces.
Moderators for these technical conversations include David Seow and Dato Ambran Abu Bakar, who will guide discussions on how immersive technology is reshaping live entertainment and cultural storytelling.
The live music component is expected to draw substantial crowds, featuring high-profile regional acts such as Shigga Shay, SonaOne, Saykoji, and Teza Sumendra. Notably, the festival marks the debut Sarawak performance for Juan Reza, an artist who has recently gained massive traction online among younger audiences.
By attracting stakeholders from across the region, authorities hope the platform will generate long-term economic prospects for local entrepreneurs while cementing the city’s reputation as a premier destination for business events.
Public access to the live entertainment segments remains open. Standard entry begins at RM245 for a single-day standing pass, reaching up to RM965 for a comprehensive three-day VIP package. Visitors can currently utilise the promotional code BEAT20 to secure a discount on official ticketing platforms.
