DARO: The Pulau Bruit Festival, taking place from November 6 to 8, features digital technology elements as a new attraction, alongside promoting local seafood, agriculture, and culture.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol said that this year’s edition carries the ‘Temasya Lautani’ concept, highlighting the unique marine and agricultural resources of Pulau Bruit.
According to him, the festival also provides a platform for the local community to showcase their products and enterprise outputs, including through the sale of seafood and agricultural produce as well as handicraft exhibitions.
“The Pulau Bruit Festival carries a distinct identity rooted in marine and agricultural produce. We aim to highlight that uniqueness through community participation and the various activities lined up,” he said.
He said this when met by reporters at the Soft Launching Ceremony of the Batang Paloh Bridge here on Friday.
According to him, a unique feature is also introduced through the involvement of the Sarawak AI Association (PAIS), which will conduct a briefing and workshop session for the first time outside Kuching on November 8, starting at 2 pm.
Datuk Abdullah noted that the program aims to provide exposure to the community, particularly youth, on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in digital content creation and income-generation opportunities via social media platforms.
“This exposure is not merely about teaching social media usage for entertainment, but also encompasses how generated content can be utilized as a source of income and digital entrepreneurship opportunities,” he noted.
In terms of entertainment, he said the three-night People’s Concert will feature Nash from the band Left Handed, Agura Band from Kuching, Pretty Nina, as well as several local artistes.
Performances by the Seri Tandi dance troupe, who are also participating, are expected to add variety to the program, thereby allowing visitors to enjoy arts and cultural performances.
In the meantime, the opening of the Batang Paloh Bridge is expected to ease access to Pulau Bruit and attract more visitors from Sarikei, Bintangor, Sibu, and Mukah to attend the festival, he added.
According to Datuk Abdullah, previous editions recorded an attendance of at least 5,000 visitors when ferry services were still in use; hence, he expressed hope that the turnout would increase this year. — UKASnews
