KUCHING: As we bid farewell to 2024, Sarawak has been the site of numerous major events that have showcased the region’s cultural richness and innovative spirit.
This year has seen significant growth and global attention, featuring prominent festivals, world-class performances, key international conferences, and innovative discussions on green technology.
The events have united individuals and local communities and highlighted the region’s distinctive cultural legacy, state-of-the-art advancements and worldwide interconnections.
As we prepare to ring in 2025, let’s recap some of the most impactful events that defined 2024.
The Borneo Bintulu International Kite Festival (BIKF) 2024
BIKF 2024 has bolstered Bintulu’s position as a tourist destination and has also introduced Malaysia’s uniqueness to the world, thereby supporting the promotion of the “Malaysia Truly Asia” brand internationally.
Held from April 5 to 7, 28 participants from various countries took part in BIKF 2024 which had 109 stalls operated by local vendors and small businesses, showcasing a variety of local products throughout the festival.
With over 200,000 visitors in previous years, the festival has become a significant source of income for the region.
The event has proven to be an economic catalyst for Bintulu, with hotel occupancy rates exceeding 75 per cent and visitor numbers surpassing 200,000 last year.
Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2024
With the theme “Evolution,” the RWMF enchanted thousands of music lovers from June 28 to 30 at the Sarawak Cultural Village in Damai. This 27th edition featured an exciting fusion of traditional and contemporary music, celebrating diversity and innovation. Grammy and Golden Globe-winning artist Kitaro opened the festival with a mesmerising performance, captivating the audience with classics like “Matsuri” and “Silk Road”.
Despite rainy weather on the second day, spirits soared as Alena Murang (Sarawak), Tuni Sundatang (Sabah), and Datuk Zainal Abidin (Malaysia) delivered energetic performances. International acts such as Taraf de Caliu (Romania), Bladyshe (Poland), and Guo Gan (China) further enriched the lineup.
As a lighthouse of cultural and musical diversity, RWMF continues to shine, with the next edition scheduled for June 20 to 22, 2025.
The Great British Circus
The Great British Circus successfully debuted its Sarawak tour in Kuching from June 8 to July 14 at the Sarawak State Stadium before continuing to Miri from July 27 to August 25 at Boulevard Shopping Mall.
The two-hour show offered a dynamic blend of family entertainment, including comedy, stunts, acrobatics, vibrant dance and more. The show featured 12 acts, such as aerial performances, juggling, and a comedic act by Brazilian clown Pablo. Circus owner Lord Kiril Kirilov, from Bulgaria, highlighted that the performance involved 150 crew members from over ten countries, including Ukraine, Brazil, and the United Kingdom.
Kirilov also expressed hopes of returning to Kuching annually or biennially with fresh shows, such as musicals and on-ice performances.
The 10th World Congress
of Herpetology (WCH10)
The WCH10, held from August 5 to 9, was the largest herpetology gathering in the country’s history, with over 1,400 delegates from 70 countries. This congress was the first post-pandemic in-person meeting for herpetologists and the first held in Southeast Asia.
With experts and professionals hailing from over 70 countries, the WCH10 delved into crucial subjects such as ‘Research on Bornean Amphibians and Reptiles’, the ‘Evolvability of the Explosive Sea Snake Radiation’, ‘Decoding Frog Diversification with insights from Old-World Tree Frogs’, and a plethora of other significant topics.
Sarawak has contributed significantly to biodiversity, identifying over 100 new species in the last two decades, including 24 amphibians and reptiles. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg praised local and international scientists for their efforts, highlighting new species such as frogs, cockroaches, beetles, and lizards. One frog species has even been named after him.
In 2023 and 2024, 18 new species were documented, 12 of which are frogs. One frog species was even named after the Premier. Other newly identified species include cockroaches, beetles and lizards.
SIBOFest 2024 Finale Gala Concert
The inaugural Sarawak International Band & Orchestra Festival (SIBOFest) 2024 was held in Kuching from September 17 to 20 at Lodge Secondary School.
The four-day festival celebrated ‘Music, Culture, and Friendship,’ featuring workshops, performances, and cultural activities.
Over 200 musicians participated, including notable groups such as Japan’s Aikodai Meiden High School Symphonic Band, which won 17 gold medals at the All Japan Band Competition.
The festival culminated in a Finale Gala Concert on September 20 at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly, drawing a crowd of more than 400 attendees.
The concert featured local and international acts, including ÁT ADAU, the Euroasia Association of Performing Arts (Malaysia), The Strings Lab, and Japan’s Aikodai Meiden Symphonic High School Band.
The event also marked The Band Lab’s fifth anniversary and showcased performances by vocalists Dell Lawrence and Chien Ng, as well as KOU from Singapore.
The event also showcased a variety of performances, including the world premiere of the festival’s theme song, “Cat on the Waterfront,” composed by Keigo Makino of Japan, inspired by Sarawak’s ethnic music.
Kuching Jazz Festival 2024
The first night of the Kuching Jazz Festival 2024, held at the Grand Margherita Waterfront on Friday night, captivated over 1,000 jazz fans with a vibrant mix of local and international talent.
From October 4 to 5, the festival featured artistes from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Sarawak, including Zee Avi, Rizky Febian, Swaiv, Suhu, Mellow Motif, Payung Teduh, Improviser, Fazz, Sang Timur Band, Aruel & The Fasola, and Atilia Haron. Notably, Indonesian artiste Rizky Febian made a successful debut at the event.
The Borneo Sonic Music Festival (BSMF)
Returning for its second year, BSMF drew over 10,000 fans on its opening night (Oct 11) and 20,000 on the festival’s finale night (Oct 12) at the Sarawak Stadium.
On the first day, the festival featured international headliners such as the Korean Pop (K-pop) icon Rain, Indonesian singer Bunga Citra Lestari, Thailand’s 4EVE, and South Korean stars like Junny and Youngjae.
Local talents also shone with performances from Thomas Kok, Priscilla Abby, and the top three groups from the Be A Star K-POP Dance Competition. Highlights included a surprise duet between Bunga Citra Lestari and Yuna.
On the second night, BSMF opened with Malaysian R&B singer Zed-X, followed by Jess Lee and DJ Slumberjack. Natalie La Rose captivated the audience with her energetic performance and the Malaysian girl group Dolla thrilled fans with their hits.
DJ Blink delivered an electrifying set, and Indonesian singer Judika impressed with his powerful ballads. Malaysian artiste Yuna enchanted the crowd with her smooth vocals, joining Bunga Citra Lestari for a special duet.
The unforgettable grand finale was headlined by South Korean star Jessi, who debuted in Kuching with ‘What Type Of X’ and followed with ‘Cold Blooded’ and ‘Gum’, concluding with the iconic ‘Zoom’.
The Asia Pacific Green
Hydrogen Conference and Exhibition (APGH) 2024
The APGH 2024 conference marked a significant milestone for Sarawak’s hydrogen economy, resulting in RM6 billion worth of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).
From October 22 to 24, the
event attracted 611 delegates, 72 speakers, and 96 companies from 19 nations, with 3,233 trade visitors across 2,400 square metres of exhibition space.
Sarawak’s strengths, renewable energy resources, strategic location, and government support, positioned it as a regional hub for green energy initiatives.
The Premier emphasised the importance of the conference in fostering collaboration, innovation, and technological advancements to accelerate green hydrogen adoption.
Sarawak leads in hydrogen infrastructure with Southeast Asia’s first production and refuelling facilities and the world’s first hydrogen-powered rapid transit.
With multi-billion-dollar investments, Sarawak aims to make hydrogen a competitive energy source by 2030, aligning with its Post-COVID Development Strategy 2030 for a sustainable future.
The Sarawak Regatta 2024
The Sarawak Regatta 2024, held from November 1 to 3 at Kuching Waterfront, celebrated Sarawak’s heritage with thrilling Bidayuh boat races and cultural festivities.
The event was graced by Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, highlighting strong regional ties.
The highlight was the ‘Raja Sungai’ (King of the River) race on November 3, where Yayasan Sarawak’s Puteri Dang Balai secured the title for the third consecutive year in the Men’s Bidayuh 30-crew category, with Landas Azam Kasihnya Warisan I and Udak as runners-up.
Earlier, the Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta (October 25–27) celebrated its 10th anniversary, attracting over 2,000 paddlers from 21 countries, including England, Ireland, and the United States.
The competition spanned eight categories, with intense races past the iconic Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) under the scorching sun.
The 21st Pesta Benak
(Tidal Bore Festival)
The 21st Pesta Benak (Tidal
Bore Festival) took place in Sri
Aman from November 29 to December 1, 2024, attracting over 70,000 visitors over three days. This annual event holds a special place in the hearts of Sarawak’s leaders, especially the Yang di-Pertua
Negeri Sarawak, who, along with
his spouse, is a regular guest of honour.
In past years, the late Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud often attended the festival. This year, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, graced the event.
The festival showcased 16 activities, with the Raja Sungai (King of the River) race as its highlight. Khazanah Kasihnya Warisan emerged victorious in the race, and Tun Dr Wan Junaidi presented the RM25,000 prize.
Other notable events included
the Miss Tourism Benak 2024 pageant, the Benak Road Trail
Run, and the Pertandingan Seni Suara dan Gaya Burung.
