SIC Fest & Sym 2026 Returns To Enliven Kuching From June 18 To 21
KUCHING: The ‘Sarawak International Choral Festival and Symposium’ (SIC Fest & Sym) 2026 will return to enliven the city from June 18 to 21.
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah noted that this year's event is expected to attract over 2,000 participants from various countries.
He explained that the growing participation year after year proves the festival is increasingly gaining international recognition, even though it is only entering its third edition.
“International participation is encouraging, with two participants from the United States already confirming their attendance. Additionally, two participants from Thailand, 209 from Indonesia, 148 from Singapore, and 32 from the Philippines will also be taking part in this programme.
“Domestically, participants from various states across Malaysia have also confirmed their participation, including those from Perak, Selangor, Sabah, and Sarawak, with Sarawak recording the highest number of entries at over 500 participants so far,” he stated.
He said this during a press conference for the event at the Baitulmakmur I Building here on Wednesday.
Commenting further, Dato Sri Abdul Karim, who is also the Sarawak Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, shared that besides the participants, many family members are also accompanying their respective choral groups.
This brings a positive impact to the state's tourism industry through increased hospitality, food and beverage activities, as well as visits to tourism landmarks around Kuching.
According to him, the festival is not merely a choral singing competition but serves as an important platform for strengthening cultural exchange, international friendship, and mutual understanding among communities of diverse backgrounds.
Throughout the four-day festival, various performances and competitions will be held at several locations, including the Waterfront Hotel, Old Courthouse, Plaza Merdeka, The Spring, Vivacity Megamall, and Sarawak Plaza, allowing the public to experience world-class choral performances up close.
The festival is scheduled to conclude at the Voco Hotel with a closing and awards presentation ceremony, which will be graced by the Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi. — UKASnews
