Music expo to complement RWMF

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OFFICIAL LAUNCH: Abang Johari (third left) launches the RWMF bus advertisement. Also seen are Ik (left), Talib (second left) and Rashid (fourth left). — Photo by Kong Jun Liong

KUCHING: The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) will be held with a difference this year, with a fringe event.

The Borneo World Music Exposition will be held at a hotel on June 24 to 26 with participants from local institutions of higher learning that offers music courses.

A music conference will also be held and some 300 professionals from the music industry which include singers, researchers, music instruments manufacturers and producers are expected to attend, said Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.

“This exposition is the first to be held in the Asian region, which is important for the development of local music. During the exposition, there will be professional input on how to develop the ethnic music,” said Abang Johari during a press conference yesterday.

“We will be the focus of the world and at the same time, the expo will increase the awareness of local young talents and how we can develop our home-grown talents to be of world class standard,” he said.

Asked on the expected turnout for RWMF this year, he said it is set at 23,000 compared to 22,000 last year.

It will be held from June 28 to 30 at the Sarawak Cultural Village.

“We are expecting slightly higher turnout this year because of the expo held before the festival. We also have sufficient hotels, boutique hotels and homestays to meet the high volume of visitors for the festival,” he said.

Also present at the press conference were Assistant Tourism Minister Datuk Talib Zulpihip, Tourism Ministry permanent secretary Datu Ik Pahon Joyik and Sarawak Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Dato Rashid Khan.