Kuching Got Talents 2016 ends on high note

0
Bayu Kenyalang (front row) posing for a photo after winning the FB Most Liked Award. Also in the photo are Fatimah (third right), Chan (fourth right), and Lu (left).

Bayu Kenyalang (front row) posing for a photo after winning the FB Most Liked Award. Also in the photo are Fatimah (third right), Chan (fourth right), and Lu (left).

KUCHING: Twenty-six finalists performed for the last time before the best were picked during the Kuching Got Talents 2016 grand finale on Saturday night.

The performances which included belly dancing, gymnastics, street dance, suspended silk ribbon gymnastics, and soulful singing, drew an enthusiastic response from the audience.

After all the finalists had performed, the judges also took to the stage to perform one number each.

The competition was divided into three categories: dancing, singing and other talents. It was run by Kuching South City Council (MBKS) as part of the Kuching Festival Fair.

“This is a good and meaningful event, especially for youths to showcase their talents. The Malaysian philosophy states that we need to develop the potential of each child to the max, though in reality, (due to) the pressure of having good results, over 80 per  cent goes to developing intellectually,” said Minister of Welfare, Women and Community Wellbeing Datuk Fatimah Abdullah.

“So we need activities to help the children by giving them opportunities and avenues to develop other aspects of their individuality. Sarawakian kids have many talents and we need to develop these talents further so that their potential is developed to the max,” she said.

Earlier, organising chairman Councillor Goh Tze Hui said that the youth community is important as they play an integral part in society as the future generation; thus, their talents should be nurtured and encouraged.

“We live in modern times and the arts are just as important as the technical and scientific. This is in line with the state government’s vision for nurturing culture, youth and the community. We must create balance between the two fields if we want to create well-balanced youths capable of both the sciences and arts,” he said.

He added that the success of the education system is judged not only by the academic achievements of youths, their performance in international competitions or standing in comparisons of science and mathematics prowess. Its success also needs to be judged by the quality of the people the education system produces – their integrity, character, and intelligence; their attitude towards work, their ability to be team players and their sense of responsibility and commitment to society.

“If the youths are engaged in healthy activities like singing in this competition, there are fewer possibilities of them being involved in unsavoury activities deemed anti-social or disruptive.

“Practising in front of an audience made up of family and friends can encourage confidence and stage presence. Joining competitions like this one is a great way to showcase your talent to the public.”

He added that to be successful in the entertainment business is very difficult and this experience could teach youths that nothing in life is easy unless you work hard for it as well as to not give up.

“We want to make Kuching a vibrant, healthy and safe city. I believe that with this competition, the vibrancy of Kuching City will be greatly amplified. With this event, Kuching may also be known as a city brimming with talent too.”

Meanwhile, Kuching South Major Datuk James Chan said Kuchingites were  a talented lot on par with Koreans and Japanese.

He added that with talent, a person could go places in life.

First to third place in the Singing Category went to Julisha Jeraie, Adeline Tan Ai Ling and Edric Chang respectively. Julisha, who is Malay, wowed the crowd by belting out a Chinese tune.

First to third place in the Dancing Category went to VXH, ODAAK Diva Girls and Freaky 4 Dance Crew respectively.

For the Other Talents Category, Low Fai Jing took first place, followed by CAC Junior and Loka Project.

First to third place contestants in the Singing and Dancing Categories took home RM3,000, RM2,000 and RM1,000, respectively, plus a trophy each. First to third place contestants in the Other Talents Category took home RM2,000, RM1,500 and RM800, respectively, plus a trophy each.

The rest of the finalists took home consolation prizes of RM100 each.

The FB Most Liked Award went to Bayu Kenyalang, who garnered 1,500 votes, bagging them a trophy.

Kuching Festival Fair organising chairman Councillor Tan Kay Hok, acting city secretary Vincent Ang and Temenggong Lu Kim Yong were present at the event.