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 unites 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.
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.