DEC 7 & 8 (7:30 pm) | DUN, Sarawak, Malaysia
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.
Event Highlight:
World-Class Performances: SIFMA features an eclectic mix of performances that span traditional music, contemporary compositions, dance, theater, and visual arts. Audiences can expect to be 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 in 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.
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 the cultural landscape of Sarawak, 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.
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 unities hearts.
SIFMA unites global talents for three enchanting nights celebrating music, dance, and arts. With a fusion of traditional and modern voices, sounds, and movements, SIFMA5 promises to amaze!
In 2022, we enjoyed stellar performances from international acts like Shilp Maitri Studios, Sugapriya Ashok, Victoria Chorale,
and Ganesh Kriti, among others. They joined local talents such as UiTM Chamber Choir, La Danse Studio, Kenwy Ho, and many more.
Are you ready to shine on the SIFMA stage?
SIFMA of past years would not be possible without the support and enthusiasm of sponsors and media partners. We need you to help spread the word!
Media Partner
SIFMA is grateful for the strong partnerships we have maintained with members of the broadcast, digital media and print, which helps us fulfil our objectives by sharing information about our events!
Media Partner
SIFMA is grateful for the strong partnerships we have maintained with members of the broadcast, digital media and print, which helps us fulfil our objectives by sharing information about our events!
The International Music House in Kuching (IMH) opened its doors in 1978 as a specialist music institution to fill the void in the local musical art scene. From its humble beginnings on the ground floor of a corner shop lot, IMH quickly rose to prominence and is the one-stop education centre for students to learn music through various musical instruments such as piano, guitar, violin, and drums, even vocal training as well. By maintaining a high standard of quality assurance, IMH has garnered a reputation as the leader in the musical art scene, with collaborations with distinguished musicians and music consultants from all over the world.
Dr. Poom Prommachart
Steinway Artist Poom Prommachart, hails from Bangkok, Thailand, and currently resides in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Poom is a dedicated full-time lecturer and Program Leader for BA (Hons) in Music Performance at the Department of Film and Performing Arts, Sunway University, and holds the esteemed position of Elite Fellow at University Malaya’s Music Faculty. Additionally, he serves as the Artistic Director of the Steinway Youth Piano Competition in Thailand and Tutan Entertainment.
In May 2023, his exceptional talent was recognized with the prestigious Best Solo Performance for instrumental music award at the 18th BOH Cameronian Arts Awards. He earned a Doctor of Music degree from the University of Montreal, where he was placed on the esteemed Rector’s List of Honour for the Most Exceptional Graduates.
Poom’s accolades continue with a rich history at the Royal College of Music in London, where he achieved his Bachelor of Music degree, Master of Music degree, and Artist Diploma on a scholarship sponsored by H.R.H Princess Galyani Vadhana of Thailand and the RCM. He was honored with the coveted Tagore Gold Medal, presented to him by Prince Charles (now King Charles III) of the United Kingdom. Subsequently, Poom pursued studies at the Moscow Conservatory in Russia.
His international acclaim burgeoned in 2010, marked by his gold medal triumph at Serbia’s Fifth Isidor Bajic International Piano Competition. Since then, he has graced prestigious stages worldwide, performing with eminent orchestras including the Kazakhstan Philharmonic Orchestra, Montevideo Philharmonic Orchestra, London Musician Symphony Orchestra, Timisoara Philharmonic Orchestra of Romania, National Symphony Orchestra of Serbia, Worthing Symphony Orchestra, and Vojvodina Symphony Orchestra. Recently, he shared his talent with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra at Prince Mahidol Hall and Yuen Long Theatre in Hong Kong and the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra at Japan’s Suntory Hall.
In 2020, his exceptional abilities earned him the Grand Prize at the Oxford Music Award in Canada.
Dua Space Dance Theatre
Dua Space Dance Theatre, founded by Anthony Meh and Aman Yap in 1998, is Malaysia’s first full-time professional contemporary dance company. The name “Dua Space” symbolizes sharing and interaction, and the company blends elements of Chinese and Malaysian ethnic dances into contemporary forms. Some of their notable works include TWO, Scream – A Response to Munch, The Legend of Hou Yi and Chang Er, Anak Malaysia, The Tree, and The Lotus Sutra.
The company has performed across Asia, Europe, and South America in countries such as China, Korea, Japan, Singapore, Spain, and Argentina. Dua Space has received numerous awards, including several from The BOH Cameronian Arts Awards for Best Dance Group, Best Choreographer, and Best Group Performance. Their collaboration with local artist Farawahida on Persoalan Cinta won the Ethnic Creative Category at the Anugerah Juara Lagu in 2009.
In addition to their creative achievements, founders Anthony Meh and Aman Yap have been recognized for their contributions to the arts, with awards such as the Asia-Pacific Cultural Industry Creativeness Golden Award and the ASEAN Chinese Cultural Award in 2022. The company continues to be a leading force in Malaysian contemporary dance, known for its innovative productions and international presence.
Chung Hua School No.3
Chung Hua Middle School No. 3’s 24 Seasons Drums team, founded on June 19, 1992, by Tan Chai Puan in collaboration with Sarawak Kuching Hong San Si Temple, became the first 24 Festival Drumming group in Kuching. Over the years, the team has earned numerous accolades, including winning the “Soul of the Ethnic Group” talent competition in 2019, the “Kuching’s Got Talent, Dare to Show It” competition in 2022, and the talent group championship at the 2023 Hong San Si Temple Guangze Zunwang procession.
The team has also been actively involved in community engagements. In 2021, they participated in the filming of the Sarawak New Year video Awakening the Soul of the Ethnic Group. In 2022, they took part in the CIPTA Drumming Orchestra Exchange at Universiti Sarawak and performed at the Sarawak International Festival of Music and Arts (SIFMA). They were invited to perform again at SIFMA in 2023.
In 2024, they were honored to serve as the opening performance for Sukma and Para Sukma 2024 and won a silver medal in the National 24 Festival Drumming Competition that same year.
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.