KUCHING: The Animation, Comics and Games (ACG) Concert 2026 is positioned as a high-impact platform linking local talent with the international arts network, particularly Japan.

Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the stadium-scale concert demonstrates Sarawak’s readiness to host international-standard events that blend traditional orchestral music with contemporary pop culture elements.

“The event began as a local musical performance platform, but has since evolved into a landmark regional event that reflects Sarawak’s capability to stage large-scale, international-calibre productions,” he said at the ACG Concert 2026 press conference at the Baitul Makmur II Building, here on Wednesday.

The concert, organised by The Band Lab with the support of MTCP, is scheduled to take place on 31 January at Stadium Perpaduan, Petra Jaya.

Commenting on the theme, Dato Sri Abdul Karim explained that the concert carries the concept of ‘Bridges’, focusing on the creation of a Sarawak–Japan Cultural Bridge as a form of effective cultural diplomacy.

“Through music, we witness a sophisticated and high-impact form of cultural diplomacy. This relationship was established through the Sarawak International Band and Orchestra Festival (SIBOFest) 2024 which saw the presence of more than 70 musicians from Japan coming to Kuching,” he said.

According to him, the success of the festival led to the establishment of The Band Lab Japan as an official partner branch of The Band Lab Kuching, thus strengthening institutional ties between the arts communities of both sides.

Dato Sri Abdul Karim added that several Japanese musicians will be directly involved in performances alongside local talents at this concert.

He also expressed pride in the achievements of young Sarawakian musicians receiving increasing international recognition, including through the cultural exchange programme to Japan supported by his ministry in September last year.

“Through this international exposure, they are not just performing music, but acting as young goodwill ambassadors who help build bilateral relations and mutual respect between Sarawak and Japan,” he said.

The Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development noted that the networks and credibility developed through these initiatives have enabled Sarawak to make history, with globally renowned Japanese dance group Avantgardey set to make their debut performance in Borneo through The ACG Concert 2026.

From the perspective of the creative and tourism economy, he said the concert aligns with the growing trend of concert tourism, where audiences are willing to travel across borders for high-quality artistic experiences.

Therefore, he expressed his appreciation to The Band Lab for their courage and great vision in realising the concert and called on Sarawakians to join in enlivening Stadium Perpaduan. -UKASnews

Reporter: Eisner Nala
Photographer: Eisner & Hisyam
Translator: Nerissa Sia