There were a lot of things going on other than racing at the fourth edition of Kuching Heritage Race (KHR).
Themed ‘Darul Hana Revisited’, the one-of-a-kind race kicked off at Chung Hua Middle School No 4 last Saturday on Feb 16.
About Kuching Heritage Race 2019
Almost like a small-scale Amazing Race, the race had a treasure hunt and maps were provided for participants to find stations or control points.
Every team made up of two to five people was given a ‘passport’ with clues for the location of each station. (About 60 teams took part, making this treasure hunt really competitive 😄)
Some of these tasks included performing the Malay martial art of silat, playing the kompang, making roti canai, completing a pantun and making air mawar.
Additionally, there were ‘brainy quizzes’ on the history and heritage of Kuching at some stations. Teams with the correct answers had a few minutes taken off their running time.
For the first time, this year’s Kuching Heritage Race took the participants through residential areas such as Kampung Muda Hashim, Kampung Dagok Timur, Kampung No. 4 and others.
With that, the race was able to introduce participants, both local and non-local, to Kuching’s heritage sites.
The team that was able locate all the stations and complete all the tasks in the shortest time was the winner.
Last year’s champion, the Sarawak Convention Bureau, was able to hold on to their title and become the overall winner once again.
Kuching Heritage Run is also aimed to raise money for deserving underfunded projects.
Proceeds from this year’s race were channeled to several organisations including Single Mothers Association, Kuching Parkinson Society, Sarawak Society for The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA).
Also present during the event were permanent secretary to Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) Mayor Datuk Abang Abdul Wahab Abang Julai, Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports permanent secretary Hii Chang Kee and Brooke Trust director Jason Brooke.
If you pass by the roundabout at Jalan Padungan, you will see a clock tower behind the arch. Have you ever wondered about the story behind it?
For most, it is just a simple clock tower, but it is actually Sarawak’s first war memorial.
The memorial clock tower at Jalan Padungan
The memorial clock tower at Jalan Padungan was declared open in November 1952 to commemorate all Sarawak residents who lost their lives in World War II.
The idea of building a memorial
clock tower initially came from former Chief Secretary of Sarawak, J.B. Archer.
He spent years as a civil
internee at the Batu Lintang Camp.
To commemorate those who lost their lives during the war, he suggested something simple like a clock tower would be fitting.
He also suggested that a public
donation should be collected to built it.
However, there were mixed reactions to this idea as people were still recovering from the effects of war, psychologically, politically and economically.
People did not have much money at the time and thought that any funds collected should be spent on an agricultural institution for the youth.
It was not until 1950 when the idea resurfaced.
At that time, there was an announcement of a design competition for a memorial clock tower at Jalan Padungan to be erected.
It was won by Egbert Christopher Dhing, a draughtsman in the Public Works Department.
Like many others, Egbert had been personally affected by the war; his brother Hubert Dhing had been captured and executed by Japanese forces.
Remembrance Day, 11th November 1951
The memorial clock tower at Jalan Padungan was unveiled by then governor Sir Anthony Abell on Remembrance Day, 11th November 1951.
By 9.15 am, a large crowd of official guests and spectators had gathered by the memorial clock tower at Jalan Padungan.
According to The Sarawak Tribune in an article published on November 12, Union Jacks and Sarawak Flags were the only decoration around the Memorial Clock Tower which was surrounded by guards of honour formed by the Sarawak Constabulary, Boy Scouts and Sea Scouts; officials, invited guests and a large congregation made up of members of the public.
Abell, accompanied by A.D.C. Abang Othman arrived at 9.30 am and proceeded to the base of the mkmorial where the former took the Royal Salute where he was quoted as saying:
“This clock tower which I am about to unveil commemorates the men and women of every race and of every creed who gave their lives for Sarawak in the war against the Japanese. We who were spared, in humility and gratitude pay this tribute to their fortitude and sacrifice and dedicate this memorial to their undying memory. On us falls the heavy responsibility to make sure, as far as lies within our power, that their sacrifice was not in vain. We pray that future generations of Sarawak citizens will pass this place in peace and security, and staying a while to read the inscriptions hereon, may feel something of our pride and gratitude for the heavy price that was paid for their freedom and happiness.”
The memorial clock tower was used for the annual Remembrance Day service held on 11th November.
The clock tower remained as the official war memorial until 1961 when a new one was built at the Central Padang.
This was because the authorities thought that the space was too cramped for parades.
Apart from that, the space was also too crowded as it was too close to the market space.
Around 1960, the authorities began thinking of building another war memorial somewhere more spacious, and Central Padang was chosen.
While the new site may appear to
be perfect, it however has problems.
During special occasions, the new site is usually blocked by temporary structures such as grandstands or stages, so, the memorial services would usually be held at the Brooke Memorial in front of the Courthouse building in Main Bazaar.
While Sarawak has firmly established itself as THE place to go for world music, and as a Culture, Adventure and Nature destination (did you know Gunung Mulu National Park was a UNESCO World Heritage site?), it aims to be the leading fashion hub in this region with the upcoming lifestyle and fashion event ALTA MODA SARAWAK.
Sarawak Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said he was confident that ALTA MODA SARAWAK would become a successful yearly event to promote the state as a leading fashion hub in Asean and beyond.
“The fashion industry is a multi-billion dollar industry worldwide. This is because it involves a big group of people coming from all work and backgrounds, including those from production to design and marketing.
“There are also those who are making a good living out of writing, analyzing, shooting, commenting and blogging about fashion,” he said during a recent press conference at Restaurant Budaya Sarawak.
He added that the event could attract potential tourism and merchandise buyers domestically and internationally in support of Sarawakian designers and artists.
“It is therefore good for ALTA MODA SARAWAK to have the objective of promoting Sarawak as a state of diversity with different ethnic groups and cultures.”
Additionally, Abdul Karim believed that the event could be one of the catalysts and key players in helping to boost tourist traffic to Sarawak under the state’s tourism initiatives, which is why the Ministry suggested moving it from October last year to March 2019.
“This is to give more time for the organisers to make it a grand affair in conjunction with our ‘Visit Sarawak Campaign’ objectives.”
He also noted that ALTA MODA SARAWAK might be one of the last few events to be held at the old State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Building before it will be closed for renovations to transform it into a performing arts centre.
Abdul Karim (center) speaking to the press at Restaurant Budaya Sarawak on Feb 2.
ALTA MODA SARAWAK as a brand platform for Sarawak’s designers
Abdul Karim said, “We too have our very own designers whose meteoric rise is something to be proud of. These include names like Paul Carling, Anna Sue, Ben Nazry, Melinda Omar, Sereni & Shentel, Latip’s Collection and more. With ALTA MODA SARAWAK, I hope that their star continues to rise.”
The organisers of ALTA MODA SARAWAK are confident that the designers taking part will be able to establish themselves as the fashion and lifestyle brands to be reckoned with and help propel the growth of Sarawak’s fashion industry.
“This development will, in return, be able to attract more tourist traffic into Sarawak and create demand for a growing domestic industry among the talented artisans and skillful beads craftsmen,” he said.
Meanwhile, ALTA MODA SARAWAK organising chairperson Datin Esther Mujan Balan said the organising team was excited to be holding the event in conjunction with Visit Sarawak Campaign, with the support and partnership from the Ministry of Tourism Sarawak and Sarawak Tourism Board.
“We are determined and focused for ALTA MODA SARAWAK to be a successful yearly event to promote Sarawak as a leading fashion hub in Southeast Asia and attract potential tourism and merchandise buyers domestically and internationally for our Sarawakian designers and artists.”
She stated, “Another objective of the event is to provide up and rising Sarawakian designers the opportunity to make their mark in their own country rather than having to go abroad to make a name for themselves. It also aims to give local fashion followers the chance to have ‘high fashion at their doorstep.’”
Besides Abdul Karim, the three-day event is expected to be attended by the Chief Minister of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and wife of the Governor of Sarawak Toh Puan Ragad Waleed Alkurdi.
The press conference also saw a short runway show featuring 11 out of the 24 designers that will be participating during ALTA MODA SARAWAK.
MARK YOU CALENDARS: The inaugural ALTA MODA SARAWAK will be held at the old State Legislative Assembly Building, Kuching on Mar 7 to 9.
KUCHING, Feb 7: Sarawak’s March calendar is set to start off with some glitz and glamour this year with the inaugural three-day fashion and lifestyle event, Alta Moda Sarawak (AMS).
Designers Sher Lo (top left), Asrul Asshadi (bottom left) and Diffison Tanjan (bottom, second right) are among the 24 designers and brands that will be taking part in Alta Moda Sarawak 2019.
To be held from March 7-9 at the old State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Building in Kuching, 24 designers and brands will be taking part in this event which aims to highlight the many colours of Sarawak’s cultures and diversities into the streamline of the fashion industry, applying the subject matter of lifestyle while emphasizing fashion as its core.
“We are honoured to have the opportunity to organize the inaugural fashion and lifestyle event of ALTA MODA SARAWAK 2019. This marks the first time an event of this kind will be held at the old DUN, an iconic landmark in Kuching.
“Our long term mission and vision are to hold the event on an annual basis as part of Sarawak Tourism calendar with Sarawak Tourism Board as the main supporter and partner,” stated AMS chairman Datin Esther Mujan Balan, who with Dato’ Raymond Valentine Jolly make up the AMS organizing committee.
‘Alta moda’ originates from the Italian language which means ‘high
fashion’ where all the potential and leading couturiers, designers and labels
will be looking forward to gathering under one roof similar to the likes of red
carpet events featuring Hollywood A-listers.
In this spirit, AMS
aims to serve as a brand platform for Sarawak designers to come together to
showcase their talents and creations in the field of arts, culture and crafts
as well as celebrate Sarawak’s diverse ethnic groups and cultures.
“We, therefore,
see our role as one of the catalysts and key players in assisting in generating
the traffic flow of tourists to Sarawak under the Sarawak Tourism umbrella. We
are also excited to be holding this event in conjunction with Visit Sarawak Campaignwith
support and partnership from the Ministry of Tourism Sarawak and Sarawak
Tourism Board,” she said.
Another objective of
the event is to provide up and rising Sarawakian designers the opportunity to
make their mark in their own country rather than having to go abroad to make a
name for themselves. It also aims to give local fashion followers the chance to
have “high fashion at their doorstep.”
This year, AMS is confident that with the
experience and background of the team of strong and dynamic professionals under
this platform, Sarawak designers will be able to establish themselves as the fashion
brand to be reckoned with and to enable the expansion of the Sarawak designers
industry.
“We are
determined and focused for ALTA
MODA SARAWAK to be a successful yearly event to promote Sarawak as a
leading fashion hub in Southeast Asia and attract potential tourism and
merchandise buyers domestically and internationally for our Sarawakian
designers and artists.
“Along with the
teamwork support from various collaborating partners, AMS aims to work together
with promising young designers, established designers and the Sarawakian
designers association to make this a reality.”
AMS is hopeful
through the support towards ALTA MODA
SARAWAK 2019, this will be the next great Sarawak event to be reckoned with
whilst promoting the region’s large multi-ethnic and multi-cultures and to
provide a unique experience and enjoyment for tourists to look forward to and
to continue to boost the sustainable future of Sarawak’s tourism.
The 3-day event is
expected to be attended by the Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun
Openg; Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim
Rahman Hamzah; and Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Ragad Kurdi Taib, wife of the
Governor of Sarawak.
ALTA MODA SARAWAK 2019 Event Details:
DATE:
7th to 9th MARCH 2019
VENUE:
OLD DEWAN UNDANGAN NEGERI (DUN) BUILDING, PETRA JAYA, KUCHING
DESIGNERS & BRANDS
Anannasa By Sher Lo
Anna Sue
Ben Nazry
Bianco Mimosa
Bon Zainal
Erwan Asbor Touch
Gavroche by
Arzmy Hargreaves
Hafiz Carlson
Kaftans by India
Khalids
Latip’s
Collections
Lentera Astana
LIM KOK WING
Institute of Technology
Melor by Melinda
Omar
Najla
N’Inspired
Papier Mâchè
Paul Carling
Qeisha Qiani,
Dubai
SAB2 by Sabrina
Bujang
Sereni and
Shentel
Tom Abang Saufi
UNIMAS Fashion
Designers
Von Jolly
Couture, Paris
PARTNERS, COLLABORATORS
& SPONSORS
Ministry
of Tourism Sarawak and Sarawak Tourism Board (STB)
Sarawak
Arts Council
Official
Automobile : Mercedes Benz (Hap Seng Star Sdn Bhd)
Official
Hotel : The Waterfront Hotel
Official
Travel Agent : Matahari Tours Sdn Bhd
Official
Photographer : Kelvin Chan
Official
Videographer : Tactickotor
Media
Support : The Borneo Post, Sarawak Tribune, Utusan Sarawak, See Hua Daily,
Berita Harian, Radio Television Malaysia (RTM), Information Department Sarawak,
Era FM,
Nusi Poetry was back for its second edition last Feb 2 in conjunction with the UNESCO International Year of Indigenous Languages 2019.
Initiated by Nading Rhapsody, an Avant-Garde Borneo ethnic world music ensemble, vocalist Opah Aspa explained that Nusi Poetry was an inter-ethnic and inter-language event.
“In each edition, we will show a different mosaic. This edition, we are presenting Nusi Poetry: Mosaic -Ngebat Mimpi which means ‘weaving dreams’ in Iban.”
She added, “Each and everyone of us we all have our own dreams. We spend our lives riding our own journey, weaving our way to our own dreams.”
During the event, 12 presenters from different walks of life shared their stories about achieving their dreams through poetry, chants and lyrics.
A night of storytelling and poems at Nusi Poetry
Teacher Philomina Wilson for instance, shared her story by reciting a poem called ‘Heaven’s Very Special Child’ by Edna Massimilla.
As a mother to an autistic son, she related with Massimilla who wrote the poem for her daughter who had Down syndrome.
Meanwhile, Dr Deborah Chong gave a glimpse of her life as a successful fitness athlete through a poem she wrote called ‘Dare to Dream’.
Sharing how she lived her life as a dream chaser, Chong attributed her success to her seven-year-old son who was born prematurely.
As for Raziv from local metal band Myopia, it was the first time he would actually read the lyrics of his song to his audienxe, instead of singing and yelling them out as he normally would.
He shared about the scepticism he faced in his life for being passionate about metal music, something he experienced since he first discovered his passion at 9 years old.
Sticking true to the spirit of being an inter ethnic and inter language event, the presentations were done in different languages such as Iban, Sarawak Malay, English and Melanau.
Other poets and presenters were Gabriel Fairuz Louis, Opah Aspa, Kulleh Grasi, Ronney Bukong. Calvin Mikeng, Raygyna Hayden, Neyna Radzuan, Dauz Iezara, Zakaria Hassan and Venu K Puthankatil.
The audience was also entertained by the band Imaginasi founded in 2013 by Shahrol, Naz, Zair and Zul.
Style Series is a series of events organised to share fashion concepts and empower emerging new talents in Southeast Asia and Europe.
The first of its event, Style Series Episode 1: China Rouge was held on Jan 27 at Chabo Dine and Bar.
And this time, the fashion event showcased a spectacular Chinese New Year Collection to raise funds for Miss World Malaysia’s Indigenous Digital Outreach Program (IDOP).
The Miss World Malaysia 2019 titleholder, Larissa Ping Liew explained that she collaborated with Kuching-based community building organisation to start IDOP.
She said, “One of the main reasons why I joined Miss World was because Miss World focuses so much on reaching out to people, especially underprivileged children around the world. Hence, I’ve collaborated with the Champions to run programs around the rural areas of Sarawak called the IDOP.”
IDOP’s first project was held in October 2018 where Liew and her team reached out to the Penan community nearby Long Seridan. There, they brought in computers, painted murals around the school, fixed their fans and lights as well as organised motivational sessions for the students.
“Why children in the rural areas?” Liew said, “We realised that there is a major education gap between the rural community and urban folk.”
According to the 20-year-old beauty queen, not many rural youth enjoy good quality education or have the opportunity to further their tertiary studies and change their status quo.
She continued, “Being there to experience the lifestyle of the children has motivated my team and I to do more this year.”
With funds raised from Style Series Episode 1, Liew and her team are hoping to reach out to ten different villages this year around Sarawak.
About Style Series
Style Series was founded by Geraldine Sim, Wong Kai Lee and Roselyn Ling.
The main aim of Style Series events is to connect designers through fashion, while fostering a community of collaboration and inspiration.
For its debut, the events featured collection from Yacutha Borneo, Romyda KL, TeeCode, Wynka, Rozie Khan, Mastuli Khalid, Emil Hamlyn and Melor.
There were 40 looks featured on the runaway with celebrity model Amber Chia took the closing spot for the fashion show.
The exhibition showcased the winners of the annual World Press Photo Contest.
In 1955, a group of Dutch photographers organised an international contest to showcase their works to the world. They called it ‘World Press Photo’ and now it has become one of the most esteemed photography competitions in the world.
Fast forward to today, the exhibition has toured more than 100 cities in 45 countries, including Kuching.
For the first time ever, the exhibition is being held in Kuching in conjunction with What About Kuching (WAK) 2018, showcasing the winners of the annual World Press Photo Contest of which 4,548 photographers from 125 countries sent in a total 73,044 entries.
True to its name, the winning photos gave fair and compelling insights about what happening in and around the world.
Apart from the winning photos, the exhibition also showed stories from six Southeast Asia and Oceania Talents of the World Press Photo Foundation.
Installed on the ground of Padang Merdeka, the exhibition is open for the public from Sept 29 to Oct 27.
World Press Photo Exhibition: Giving glimpses to the outside world
A series of nature-themed photos on display.
The series of photos displayed were featured various themes such as environment, nature, people, sports and world issues.
Some of the photos were explicit and powerful, showcasing serious human rights issues such as sex workers in Russia.
For those who are avid fans of National Geographic, some of the photographers might be familiar such as Ami Vitale who is widely known for her work capturing photos of wild pandas and rhinos.
In addition to that, there were also well-known photos which have been circulated on international news.
The most famous one displayed was the image of 28-year-old student Victor Salazar whose clothes caught on fire after a motorcycle exploded during a street protest in Venezuela against its president Nicolas Maduro.
The exhibition also managed to open up any visitors’ eyes to world issues such as the stateless case of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar and the deforestation in Brazilian Amazon.
A man vapes thoughtfully as he studies a panel of photos in a set which also features an image of Victor Salazar caught on fire during street protests in (right).A series of photos featuring two sisters living in a bioenergy village in Austria.Some of the works by Italian photographer Fausto Podavini.A man viewing the images by National Geographic photographer Ami Vitale.The exhibition is also part of an effort to reactivate spaces in Kuching such as Padang Merdeka.World Press Photo exhibition has toured to more than 100 cities in 45 countries and now is in Kuching.
About WAK World Press Photo exhibition
What About Kuching (WAK) city festival together with Sarawak Museum Department co-organised the exhibition sponsored by the Netherlands Embassy and Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak. The Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology Kuching supported the event through its design and installation.
The Kuching Intercultural Mooncake Festival returned for its 17th installment this year to Carpenter Street, one of the oldest streets in the city.
The event started from Sept 17 and will be ending on September 24 and runs from 6pm to 11pm.
With the slogan “Sight, Sound and Taste”, the nightly event showcases the different food, music and cultures of various ethnicities in Sarawak.
Organised by The Federation of Kuching Division Community Association with Kuching Old Market Community Association, the festival promises eight days of fun-packed activities for all ages.
The different sights, sounds and tastes at Kuching Intercultural Mooncake Festival
As celebration in Sarawak is nothing without food, there are so many cuisines to choose from at the Kuching Intercultural Mooncake Festival.
From traditional Chinese food to Dayak barbecued goodies, visitors will be spoilt for choice.
Patrons can quench their thirst with a variety of drinks such as Thai milk tea, Vietnamese coffee and assorted bubble teas.
For those who are health-conscious, Kuching Chinese Traditional and Holistic Natural Medicine Association is there to provide free medical checkup.
Apart from that every night from 8am to 9pm, there will be Street Magic Show happening along Carpenter Street.
Making its return this year is 2017’s RM2 Charity Haircut where hairdressers from Maison Monica Hair & Beauty Academy are offering haircut services. The proceeds will be donated to Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA).
Other activities are children’s colouring competition, lantern fabrication competition, snow skin mooncake making contest and photography competition.
Local patrons who are diving are advised to park their vehicles at Plaza Merdeka, St. Thomas Cathedral or the Kuching Waterfront.
About Mooncake Festival
The mooncake festival or mid-autumn festival is a harvest festival celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar.
This year, the festival falls on Sept 24. On this day, the traditional delicacy called mooncake is enjoyed and shared among family and friends.
The eight-day Kuching Intercultural Mooncake Festival promises fun activities for all ages.
There will be a live Chinese orchestra performance at one end of Carpenter Street.
A glass of Vietnamese coffee to quench your thirst.There will be performances by different ethnic groups every night and visitors are more than welcome to join in the fun.Have some mooncakes which are inspired by Sarawak kek lapis.Oyster pancakes fresh off the stove.
Different kinds of sausage, anyone?Visitors can also enjoy freshly fried dumplings at the Kuching Intercultural Mooncake Festival.
The friendly ice-cream goyang vendor will let customer to shake the traditional Popsicle making machine.To carry brightly-lit lantern like this is part of celebrating the mooncake festival.Trader selling lanterns at the Kuching Multicultural Mooncake Festival.A dragon dance performance happening at The Hong San Si Temple.A taste of Thailand at The Kuching Intercultural Mooncake Festival.There are various street performances happening at almost every corner of Carpenter Street.Patrons enjoying their foods as well as the performances.
What About Kuching (WAK) is back! From Sept 29 till Oct 28, Kuching will be lit up with tonnes of activities all over the city.
This month-long festival is a local community effort aiming to celebrate the arts, culture and lifestyle that Kuching has to offer.
Mark your calendar and decide what to do during this year’s What About Kuching:
1.Watch local artists in action at Bishopsgate and The Clock Tower
What About Kuching Music Portail provides platform for local artists to showcase their talents. Watch out for these dates Oct 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 when the fun is happening at Bishopsgate Street Stage. Then on Oct 26 and 27, the party is moving to Clock Tower@The Old Courthouse.
There will be performances from Zee Avi, Tuku Kame, At Adau, Meruked and many more.
At Adau’s Ezra Tekola on the sape’. Catch At Adau on Oct 12 at Bishopsgate Street Stage.
2.Visit the World Press Photo Exhibition
The iconic Padang Merdeka will come alive during the whole duration of What About Kuching. There, the World Press Photo Exhibition will make its Kucing debut showcasing a series of award-winning photos.
3.Follow a food trail along Padungan Street
What Kuching without its food? Follow the trail of Food Safari, collect stamps along the way and redeem a What About Kuching Merchandise.
4.Enjoy the music by Sarawak river at Waterfront Night Live
Do you know that there is a free weekly entertainment programme at GoDown Amphitheatre@Kuching Waterfront? The entertainment continues throughout What About Kuching month every Friday and Saturday.
5.Support young entrepreneurs at Junior Art Market
Lend your support to young entrepreneurs at Junior Art Market.
This art market is unlike others as it is exclusively dedicated to young entrepreneurs. However, there are art workshops, food and performances for all ages.
6. Observe the beauty of body art of Sarawak
What does the late Anthony Bourdain and Crazy Rich Asian’s Henry Golding have in common? Both of them have tribal Iban tattoos on their bodies.
From Sept 29 till Oct 9 there will be a tattoo exhibition happening at The Old Courthouse.
7. Learn more about Sarawak tattoos
Speaking of tattoos, know more about this artistry on Sept 30. There will be a presentation about tattoo artifacts. While on Oct 7, there will be a panel discussion on Sarawak tattoo industry.
8. Take part in a photojournalism workshop
Calling out all professional and amateur photographers! There will be a free a workshop conducted by photojournalists from the World Press. Sign up quickly because seats are limited.
9.Meet a fine artist
Ramsay Ong is a household name when comes the local fine art scene. Meet him daily from 10am to 2pm from Mondays to Fridays at the Pullman Hotel.
10.Take pleasure in listening to monologues
Listen to local talents reciting their monologues on Oct 5. There will guests performers flying in from Singapore and West Malaysia.
11.Enroll your kids in a Latin dance workshop
Enroll your kids in a Latin dance workshop.
Start ‘em young! Sign your kids up for Latin Dance Workshop and they might have a knack for it!
12. Watch a yoga performance
Observe professional yogis in action at Sarawak famous Darul Hana Bridge Oct 6. On Oct 18, the yoga performance is happening at the Old Courthouse. After both of the performances, the public will have the chance to try some yoga moves. Do not miss out on this!
13. Gain an understanding on how to be a published writer
Do you have a manuscript tucked away somewhere in the corner of your room? Or have you always wanted to be a published writer? For two hours on Oct 7, bestseller Gina Yap will share about her journey.
14.Take in the knowledge of a poet
Marc Nair, a poet from Singapore will gives listeners a peak into his world of publishing poetry, taking photographs and more on Oct 7.
15. Familiarise yourself with Borneo beads
The beads of Sarawak can be considered as one of the state’s most precious heirlooms. Know more about beads of Sarawak by Heidi Munan on Oct 9.
16.Admire the beauty of Sarawak craft
From Oct 8 till 28, explore the beauty of Sarawak arts and Crafts at Pullman Hotel.
17. Grasp more about mental health problems in Kuching
Honestly here in Sarawak we do not talk enough about mental health. Join in the movement of raising awareness in conjunction of World Mental Health Day from Oct 10 till 14. There will be exhibitions, screening and forums.
18.Ignite your passion in Latin dance
Dance to Latin music with Sarawak sunset glowing on you on Oct 12 and 19 at Kuching Waterfront. Only for two days, there will be a showcase and free dance lesson from Baile Latino Kuching from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.
19.Spend an evening of music, art and coffee
Shades of Art is back in town on Oct 13! The 13th edition of this evening of music and arts is dedicated to the Ranee of Sarawak.
20. Watch local short independent films
For one night only on Oct 13 at The Garden@The Old Courthouse, there will be film screenings and sharing session.
21. Play some ping pong games
Sweat it out for some ping pong games at Plaza Merdeka on Oct 14-27.
22.Show your support to the artists from the Kuching Autistic Association
Give your support to the artists from the Kuching Autistic Association during this What About Kuching.
Walk through forty pieces of artworks from the talents of Kuching Autistic Association. The exhibition is happening on Oct 19 to 21 at Hilton Hotel.
23.Explore a cardboard city
Here is another activity to bring your kids! Explore the Cardboard city made from recycled cardboard on Oct 20 till 21.
24.Jam with the youths
Feel the young vibes of local youths at Kuching Youth Jam. This monthly gathering features exhibition and workshop for hip hop enthusiasts.
25.Party with the local hip hop scene
Another What About Kuching event for hip hop enthusiasts, Tha (this is not a spelling error) Block Party organised by Tha Project will highlight hip hop talents, break dancing and more.
26.Take a pint (or more) during an Oktoberfest
Forget about celebrating Oktoberfest in Germany and head down tHe Spring shopping mall. Enjoy your drinks and the live music for ten nights from Sept 29 till Oct 7.
27.Channel your inner Tony Hawk
What About Kuching is all out giving platforms to different kinds of communities in the city. One of these community is the skaters of Kuching. There will be workshops, competitions and booths during Skate About Kuching on Oct 21.
28.Celebrate Deepavali for three days
Although Deepavali is not a public holiday in Sarawak, it should not stop all Sarawakians to celebrate. Come together on Oct 26-28 at CityOne Megamall to celebrate with arts, fashion shows, Bollywood competition as well as cooking classes and contests.
29.Visit a flea market
Show your support to local artisans and entrepreneurs while watching live music at Green Heights Mall Halloween Flea.
30.Find a treasure at a trunk sale
The biggest pre-loved market in Kuching is back on Oct 27 till 28. Give new life to old items at Kuching Trunk Sale (Oct 27-28) at Emart Batu Kawa.
KUCHING, Aug 9: The inaugural Alta Moda Sarawak, a fashion showcase will place the spotlight on the work of at least 20 designers this Oct 25 to 27.
To be held at the old State Legislative Assembly building, the event aims to promote Sarawak as a state of diversity with different ethnics and cultures.
Speaking at a press conference on Aug 8, its chairperson Datin Esther Mujan Balan said Alta Moda Sarawak was a brand platform for Sarawak designers to come together to showcase their talents and creations in the field of arts, culture and crafts.
She said, “We are determined and focused for Alta Moda Sarawak to be a successful yearly event to promote Sarawak as a leading fashion hub in Southeast Asia and attract potential tourism traffic.
“The long term mission is to hold the event on an annual basis as part of Sarawak Tourism calendar with Sarawak Tourism Board as the main supporter and partner.”
The fashion event is expected to provide a rich insight into the world of fashion opportunities in Sarawak at both domestic and international levels.
This is done through diversified programs and activities that have been planned with the participation and support from local fashionistas, fashion interest group, celebrities, VVIPs, associate partners and media.
Esther stated, “We are hopeful through the support towards Alta Moda Sarawak 2018, this will be the next great Sarawak event to be reckoned with whilst promoting large multiethnics and multicultural of our people.”
The three-day event will gather young designers, promising designers who had some experiences as well designers who have established their names locally and internationally.
The press conference also featured a short runaway show to give the attendees snippets of what to expect during the event.
Among the designers that will be participating in the event are Anna Sue, Von Jolly Couture, Wan Bynun, Keith Sim, Paul Carling, Ben Nazry as well as Limkokwing University of Creative Technology and Universiti Sarawak Malaysia (Unimas).
Paul Carling (right) and his model. The Paul Carling label was founded in 2016 and originally known as Paul Carling Collections. The label focuses on bridal wear and fusions of modern mix wear incorporating mainly Borneo tribal motifs.A design from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology.Ben Nazry (left) and his model. He is a local designer known for his detailed and elegant work on couture and bridal gowns.A young designer from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) and his model strutting down the runway.Aaron Von Jolly (left) walks down the runway with his model during the press conference.Widely known for her statement jewelries, Anna Sue (left) also has a pret-a-porte clothing line.
