Sarawak Premier hails The Band Lab as pillar of local music industry

KUCHING (Sept 21): The Band Lab, Sarawak’s talent pool of young aspiring musicians, has been hailed as ‘a pillar of support’ for the state’s growing music industry.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in making these remarks, said the group has continuously worked to provide platforms for young musicians to grow, learn and showcase their talents.

“What started as a vision has now blossomed into a movement, transforming the lives of countless young artistes and fostering a vibrant community of music enthusiasts.

“We take our hats off to The Band Lab for celebrating their 5th anniversary. They have demonstrated their contribution to society through countless hours of hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the local music and arts scene,” he said.

Abang Johari said this in his text-of-speech delivered by Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah at the Sarawak International Band and Orchestra Festival (SIBO Fest) Finale Gala Concert 2024 at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex here, Friday.

Additionally, Abdul Karim disclosed that the state’s Centre of performing Arts, which is currently under renovation, would be ready for operation in 2026.

“We will have a proper performing arts centre within the next two years to showcase our music and talent. It has long been my hope to see Kuching evolve into the vibrant city that our late former Governor of Sarawak, Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud, envisioned – a city with a soul,” he said.

SIBO Fest with its theme ‘Music, Culture, and Friendship’, took place from Sept 17 to 20 at Lodge Secondary School here, attracting 230 participants from Malaysia and Japan.

Besides fostering collaboration between musicians, educators and industry experts from Malaysia and Japan, the festival also seeks to promote community engagement through educational activities focused on local traditions and cultures.

SIBO Fest Finale Gala Concert, the culmination of the festival, showcased performances by both local and international musicians.

The Aikodai Meiden High School Symphonic Band from Japan, led by conductor Hiroki Ito, was the highlight of the concert.

Other standout performances were by local and international groups such as At Adau, The Band Lab, KOU from Singapore, and the Euroasia Association of Performing Arts.

The event also showcased the world premiere of the festival’s theme song, ‘Cat on the Waterfront,’ composed by Japanese artist Keigo Makino, drawing inspiration from Sarawak’s traditional music.

The SIBO Fest finale gala concert was also attended by Indonesia’s consul-general in Kuching Raden Sigit Witjaksono and his wife Lucy Octavia; the second secretary / consul from the Japanese Consular Office in Sabah Eguchi Takayoshi; and event organiser Jesmond Siew.