SIFMA 6.0

Sarawak International Festival of Music and Arts

DEC 6 & 7, 2025 |Sarawak State Legislative Assembly, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

SIFMA 6.0: The Heart of Sarawakian Arts & Global Melodies

Discover the magic of the  Sarawak International Festival of Music and Arts (SIFMA)

About SIFMA: The Sarawak International Festival of Music and Arts (SIFMA) is an extraordinary annual event that transforms Kuching, Sarawak into a vibrant hub of cultural exchange and artistic celebration.This festival is a melting pot of global talent, bringing together artists, musicians, and performers from all corners of the world to share their unique cultural expressions and creative innovations.

SIFMA is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where creativity thrives and cultural boundaries are transcended, while also serving as a pivotal platform to elevate Sarawak’s local musicians and ethnic artistic talents to international standards. It actively fosters international connections, bringing expertise and global interest to Sarawak’s burgeoning arts scene, and generates significant opportunities for local artists to gain international recognition. Furthermore, SIFMA plays a crucial role in boosting Sarawak’s tourism by showcasing its rich cultural heritage and inviting global participation.

Event Highlight:

World-Class Performances:

SIFMA features an eclectic mix of performances that span traditional music, contemporary compositions, dance, theater, and visual arts. Audiences are mesmerized by the talents of international and local artists, each bringing their own flair and cultural heritage to the stage.

Interactive Workshops and Masterclasses:

Attendees have the unique opportunity to participate in hands-on-workshops and masterclasses led by renowned artists and musicians. These sessions are designed to inspire and educate, offering insights into various art forms and techniques.

Community Engagement:

SIFMA is committed to fostering community spirit and inclusivity. The festival includes outreach programs, collaborative projects, and activities that engage the local community and encourage participation from people of all ages. The SIFMA Fringe, a proposed support program for the main festival, will engage children and families, showcasing government support for the arts.

Gala Events and Networking Opportunities:

SIFMA hosts a variety of gala events, including opening and closing ceremonies, where attendees can network with artists, industry professionals, and fellow art enthusiasts. These events provide a platform for cultural exchange and the forging of new connections.

MISSION

The mission of SIFMA is to promote cultural exchange and artistic excellence by providing a platform for artists to share their talents and traditions. The festival aims to enrich Sarawak’s cultural landscape, fostering appreciation and understanding of diverse artistic expressions. SIFMA is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where creativity thrives and cultural boundaries are transcended.

 

WHY ATTEND SIFMA

Cultural Immersion: Experience the beauty and diversity of global cultures through music, dance, and art.

Educational Opportunities: Learn from the best in the industry through workshops and masterclasses.

Networking: Connect with artists, musicians, and cultural enthusiasts from around the world.

Community Spirit: Be part of a festival that values inclusivity, community engagement, and cultural appreciation.

 

JOIN US

Whether you are an artist, a music enthusiast, or someone who appreciates the beauty of cultural diversity, SIFMA offers something for everyone. Join us in celebrating the universal language of music and arts, and be part of a festival that transcends boundaries and unites hearts.

Celebration of the Arts in Global Unity

The Sarawak International Festival of Music and Arts (SIFMA 5) is proud to present this year’s theme: “Celebration of the Arts in Global Unity.” This theme embodies the spirit of togetherness and the universal language of the arts, bringing people from diverse cultures and backgrounds together through music, dance, and visual arts..

Dresscode : Formal Attire

Performers

Harit Chunhanantasap

Dua Space Dance Theatre

Chung Hua Middle School No.3

KL Dance Works

Fashion Designers

Bon Zainal Profile

Dato Raymond

Jeny Tjahyawati

Sugeng Waskito

Wan Bynun

Gilbert Headhunter

BE A PERFORMER

Are you a musician, dancer, or artist ready to showcase your talent? We are looking for passionate individuals and groups to perform at the Sarawak International Festival of Music & Arts 6.0. Join us for a unique opportunity to connect with a diverse community of artists and share your passion with a global audience.

BE A SIFam

Love being part of the action? Join the SIFAM family!

There are countless ways to help out, all while having fun, making new friends, and learning new things alongside the SIFAM community. No matter your skills, we’re always happy to welcome an extra set of hands to help make SIFMA a success!

Ready to get involved? Register at the link below and we’ll be in touch!

SIFMA Forum: Let's Talk

Be inspired by the words of various talented individuals within the creative industry! From talented musicians and artists, to designers and performers, join us as we chat about their passions and what moves them!

Let’s come together and inspire one another around the world! To contribute, please register below.

BE A PARTNER

SIFMA’s success is built on the support of our incredible sponsors and media partners. We invite you to join us in spreading the word and helping us reach a wider audience. Partnering with SIFMA offers a unique opportunity to connect with a diverse community and showcase your brand alongside an internationally recognized festival.

Let’s collaborate to make SIFMA 6.0 the best one yet.

ABOUT US

Since 1978, the International Music House (IMH) has been a cornerstone of Kuching’s music community. We were founded to fill a gap in local music education and have since grown into the premier center for musical training. Whether you’re interested in piano, guitar, violin, drums, or vocal lessons, our high-quality programs are designed to help you succeed. Through our strong partnerships with world-renowned musicians and consultants, we provide our students with an unparalleled learning experience, making us a trusted name in music education.

Contact Us

General : sifmainternational@gmail.com
Contact Us : +60109668769, +60106622658, +6082238918
 

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Mahaka Music (Indonesia)

MAHAKA is a music group that specializes in the collaboration between traditional bamboo music and modern musical instruments. The group’s style is ethnic pop, which is a blend of pop music and Sundanese ethnic music. MAHAKA aims to present musical pieces that are accepted by the wider community while preserving existing traditions by continuing to use bamboo instruments in their creation.

MAHAKA has performed at a number of local and international events, including:

  • International Festivals: YILAN International Art Festival (Taiwan, February 2019)
  • National Festivals: International Gamelan Festival (Solo, August 2016) and International Angklung Festival (Kuningan, July 2017)
  • Music Events: MATASORA World Music Festival (Bandung, August 2018)
  • Other Major Events: National Olympic Week (PON Jabar) (Bandung, May 2016)
  • Local Competitions: Pasanggiri Angklung Jawa Barat (in Bogor, Cirebon, and Subang) (2015-2016)

Suc Song Moi Traditional Orchestra & Carmen Dance Group

SUC SONG MOI TRADITIONAL ORCHESTRA

Established in 2013, Suc Song Moi (“The New Vitality”) has been the only bamboo ensemble in Vietnam which performs its own symphonically orchestrated repertoire purely by bamboo musical instruments, exclusively made by artist Dong Van Minh – a prominent maestro of bamboo music. Not only frequently featured on various prestigious domestic stages, Suc Song Moi Bamboo Ensemble is often invited to join international music festivals. From 2022, the Orchestra has expanded into the Suc Song Moi Traditional Orchestra, with a larger number of artists, musical instruments not only in the range of bamboo but also from ethnic groups across 3 regions of the country. The ensemble is now managed and operated by Suc Song Moi Bamboo Music Company. In October 2023, Suc Song Moi and its founder Dong Quang Vinh were invited by the Japanese Government to perform along with the Vietnam – Japan Dream Symphony Orchestra, which includes artists selected from typical orchestras of Vietnam and Japan, traveling to Japan,  taking place in 6 cities of Japan, under the baton of Dong Quang Vinh as the conductor, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam – Japan Diplomatic Relations.  Many non profit and charity concerts are  organized by SSM social enterprises in Vietnam. We hope to bring Vietnamese and international music to a larger audience from everywhere in the world.

CARMEN DANCE GROUP

Founded in 2003, Carmen Dance Group has been a prominent presence in the performing arts for over 20 years. Carmen has performed successfully at a wide range of events — from small private shows to major festivals and large-scale programs — both in Vietnam and internationally, including France, the United States, Germany, Finland, Denmark, India, Egypt, Thailand, Laos, South Korea, China, Japan, and more.

At Carmen, professionalism and artistic excellence are our top priorities. Our dancers are not only graceful and expressive but also professionally trained at prestigious art institutions. With dedication and creativity, Carmen delivers unique, captivating performances of the highest artistic quality.

Gonzalo Noel Villanueva Misa

Gonzalo Noel Villanueva Misa, a guitarist with a Doctor of Philosophy in Music, Major in Music Performance (Guitar) from the Philippine Women’s University, has performed as a guest artist at the Saigon International Guitar Festival, Silpakorn International Guitar Festival, Manila Guitar Fest, Asia International Guitar Festival, Asian Youth Guitar Camp, and Southeast Asia Guitar Festival and Performance Awards, among others. He was also a prizewinner, earning second place in the Singapore 11th International Guitar Festival and Competition in 2013. Currently, he is a full-time instructor at Silliman University College of Performing and Visual Arts, teaching Music Theory, Music History, and Guitar.

KL Dance Works

KL Dance Works Sdn. Bhd., established in 2014, is an extension of the original Danceworks Production, founded in 1998. The company focuses on dance education, especially ballet, and aims to support young talents, stage performances, and international events. KL Dance Works is committed to helping promising dancers in Malaysia reach their potential and build careers in dance.

Previously known as Danceworks Production, this non-profit organization was founded by Malaysian dance enthusiasts to elevate the standard of dance in the country and also assist local charities. Since 1998, KL Dance Works has staged 13 productions and raised over RM700,000 for 33 local charities. The organization has annually collaborated with Istana Budaya Kuala Lumpur (except in 2016-2017 due to renovations) and partnered with the Ministry of Information, Communication, and Culture as well as various embassies from countries such as Japan, Australia, and China.

KL Dance Works’ productions often involve foreign guest artists from prominent ballet companies, along with Malaysian artists and students, facilitating cultural exchange and enriching the local dance community. The KL Dance Works Ballet Academy, offering Vaganova-based ballet training, aims to prepare students for professional dance careers. The academy emphasizes performance opportunities and international-level productions.

Notable productions include Carmen & Paquita (2010), Don Quixote (2011), La Bayadere (2015), and Giselle (2018). The company has also collaborated with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (Carmen in Dance, 2015) and the Selangor Symphony Youth Orchestra (Swan Lake, 2023). KL Dance Works hosts annual showcases and has expanded its activities through live streaming productions since 2020.

Students from the KL Dance Works Ballet Academy, such as Ling Jong Yi and Ryan Chai Zhi Xuen, have achieved notable successes in international ballet competitions, representing the academy at events like SIFMA 2024.

Bon Zainal

Born in Terengganu (and raised in Kuala Lumpur), Styled in California, Dressing Up Malaysia, just about sums up Bon Zainal Harun.

His passion for fashion led him to the prestigious School of Fashion & Merchandising in Los Angeles, where he refined his expertise in grooming and fashion styling, graduating in 1985. His talents were quickly recognised in the United States, where he served as a council member at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Sherman Oaks, California, and became a charter member of GQ Magazine’s Reader Report. Under the mentorship of renowned Hollywood stylist Rick Pallack, Bon Zainul gained invaluable experience during a transformative year of training that shaped his future career. He further sharpened his craft with stints at Ralph Lauren’s Beverly Hills boutique and Gary’s Tux in Studio City, laying the foundation for his continued success in the fashion industry.

In 1990, Bon Zainal returned to Malaysia, joining Spark Manshop, where he perfected his expertise in menswear tailoring and retail. Six years later, he embarked on his own entrepreneurial journey with the launch of his Image Consultancy. By 2014, he had firmly established Bon Fashion Legacy Sdn Bhd (BFL), positioning his ‘BON ZAINAL’ brand as the hallmark of refined men’s fashion, targeting Malaysia’s upper echelon. His design philosophy is centred on the customer, ensuring every collection is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, superior quality, and a deep understanding of men’s sartorial needs.

Bon Zainal’s creations stand out for their consistency in quality, thoughtful design, exquisite workmanship and superior raw materials. Every collection undergoes rigorous testing on real men to ensure a perfect fit, a testament to his belief that fashion should be practical yet sophisticated. Over the years, Bon Zainal has dressed Heads of State, CEOs, Ministers, and luminaries, earning the well-deserved title of Malaysia’s King of Menswear.

His illustrious career has been punctuated by numerous accolades, including the Muse Mercedes Benz Fashion Awards 2010 for Most Stylish Designer, the Mercedes Benz STYLO Fashion Awards for Designer of the Year 2014, the Mercedes Benz Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019, and the Fashion Icon Award from the MDMPA in 2020. As a pioneer of the local fashion scene, he founded the Malaysia Bumiputra Designer Association (MBDA), promoting innovation and collaboration across Malaysia’s fashion industry. His groundbreaking Tower Fashion Eleganza in 2023, where he organised and hosted the highest altitude fashion show, at the Kuala Lumpur Tower, 300 metres above ground level. It was a runway success, establishing his reputation as a fashion visionary.

Bon also Co-Chairman of Malaysia Fashion Week / STYLO. Most recently, he was honoured with the CHT Excellence Award for Fashion Design (Menswear) at the CHT International Awards 2024, a fitting tribute and accolade that celebrates his lasting contributions to fashion and his leadership within the industry.

With a career spanning over three decades, Bon Zainal Harun continues to shape the future of Malaysian menswear and fashion, setting new standards of elegance and craftsmanship, one collection at a time

Dato Raymond Jolly

Dato’ Raymond Jolly is a multifaceted professional with an illustrious career spanning office administration, human resources, finance, project management, logistics, and politics. His 22 years at Shell Malaysia and 7 years at the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) have honed his expertise across diverse fields.

In the realm of fashion, Dato’ Raymond has left a significant mark, clinching the National Title in Batik Fashion in 2005 and earning first prize in Batik design in Italy in 2006. These achievements led to the creation of the Vonjolly fashion line and showcases of his designs in prestigious cities such as London, Paris, and Jakarta.

Beyond fashion design, Dato’ Raymond is a notable event organizer. He successfully helmed Alta Moda Sarawak 2019, highlighting resilience in the industry. As a Fashion Consultant at CENTEXS, he plays a pivotal role in shaping Sarawak’s fashion scene, overseeing Miss International Sarawak, contributing to Miss International Malaysia 2024, and leading Miss Kebaya Sarawak.

In 2023, Dato’ Raymond proudly represented Sarawak at the TFE Fashion Show held at KL Tower. His dynamic presence continues to underscore his leadership in both corporate and creative domains.

 

 

 

 

Jeny Tjahyawati

Jeny Tjahyawati is a celebrated celebrity designer and award-winning icon in the fashion industry, specializing in Moslem fashion. With a strong focus on modern, progressive designs, Jeny has significantly contributed to the growth of Moslem fashion, which has become one of the leading trend-setting sectors globally. Based in Indonesia, her work plays a pivotal role in shaping the Indonesian fashion landscape, making her collections among the most sought-after in the country.

Jeny’s journey in the fashion world began with the launch of her ‘first line’ fashion brand JenY by Jeny Tjahyawati and her ‘ready-to-wear’ label Ethnicant. Her designs are known for their stylish, unique, and fresh approach, blending traditional elements with contemporary aesthetics.

A graduate of ASRIDE ISWI Jakarta, where she was the best graduate in Fashion Design, Jeny further honed her skills during her bachelor’s studies in Fashion Design at IKJ, Jakarta. Her academic achievements and innovative vision have solidified her position as a leading designer.

Jeny is also the author of the book Gaya Praktis Berkerudung (Simple Style for Hijab), showcasing her expertise in creating practical and elegant hijab styles. Her collections can be found at renowned boutiques such as Moslem Fashion Gallery, Centro Department Store, Hijab Store, and Metro Department Store. Additionally, her designs are available online through platforms like JD.id, reaching a wider audience.

With her passion for fashion continuing to grow, Jeny remains a driving force in the Moslem fashion industry, inspiring modern trends while staying true to cultural roots.

 

 

 

 

Sugeng Waskito

Sugeng Waskito is a distinguished fashion designer and the creative mind behind the Gee Batik brand, based in Yogyakarta. As a pioneer of contemporary abstract batik motifs, Sugeng blends traditional batik elements such as Kawong, Parang, and Nitik with modern abstract designs, creating ready-to-wear and glamorous collections. His work, characterized by elegance and originality, uses premium materials like silk, cotton, and Paris cloth to craft unique batik pieces.

Sugeng’s creations have gained widespread acclaim through prestigious fashion events and exhibitions, including Indonesia Fashion Week, Jogja Fashion Week, Solo Batik Fashion, Bali Fashion Festival, New York Indonesia Fashion Week, Islamic Fashion Festival in Kuala Lumpur, and Dubai Fashion Week. He has also showcased his designs internationally, including at diplomatic events in Finland, Australia, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai.

With his innovative approach and commitment to preserving batik heritage, Sugeng Waskito continues to elevate Indonesian batik on the global stage.

 

 

Wan Bynun

Wan Bynun is a passionate and accomplished fashion designer who graduated from UiTM Shah Alam with a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design. In 2015, Wan Bynun founded a boutique in the heart of Kuching city, turning a lifelong dream into reality.

Since the boutique’s inception, Wan Bynun has made significant strides in the fashion industry, both locally and internationally. Wan Bynun’s collections have graced prestigious runways, including the Indonesia Modest Fashion Week, Serbia Fashion Week, Granada Fashion Week, Stockholm Digital Fashion Week,Lombok International Modest Fashion Week and more.

Among the most memorable highlights of Wan Bynun’s career are the showcases at the Islamic Fashion Festival 2023 in Yogyakarta, which were honored by the presence of the Permaisuri Agong, the Queen of Malaysia. These events have not only showcased Wan Bynun’s unique designs but have also established Wan Bynun as a prominent name in the modest fashion industry.

With a deep appreciation for traditional craftsmanship, Wan Bynun’s design identity fuses traditional fabrics with a modern twist, creating simple yet elegant pieces that blend cultural heritage with contemporary style, offering timeless and chic fashion.

 

 

Gilbert Headhunter

Gilbert Headhunter is a fashion brand based in Kuala Lumpur that blends the rich heritage of Borneo culture with contemporary design. Known for its sustainable approach, the brand incorporates traditional elements like Pua Kumbu and natural materials, while promoting eco-conscious fashion. With a deep-rooted passion for Borneo culture and a commitment to empowering the younger generation, Gilbert Headhunter creates pieces that tell a story of tradition, innovation, and cultural pride, bringing Malaysian heritage to the global stage.