7th edition of WAK Festival reveals exciting calendar

(From left) Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, Donald Tan, Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Datuk Sebastian Ting and Datu Sherrina Hussaini during today’s Calendar Reveal for WAK Festival.

KUCHING, 13 AUGUST 2025: The 7th edition of WAK Festival was officially unveiled earlier today at the Old Court House in Kuching, revealing an exciting programme that reaffirms the festival's place as a premier celebration of arts, culture and lifestyle throughout the month of October. 

Today’s event was attended by Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who commended the festival’s remarkable journey throughout the last 7 years, making it a dynamic, community-driven platform that now extends beyond Kuching into Sibu and Miri through its satellite festivals.

“This year, WAK brings together 49 collaborators, presenting 67 unique events and 369 daily activities across 44 venues in and around Kuching. We are proud to see such a vibrant and inclusive programme that unites communities and celebrates what makes Sarawak unique; our diversity, creativity, and warm spirit of togetherness,” he said.

Highlighted key collaborators including Canon Marketing Malaysia, Japan Foundation, tHe Spring Shopping Mall (Pink It Up weekend marketplace), Wayang Kitchen featuring Razif Hashim, Peranakan Stories from Singapore (An Afternoon with GT Lye), The Podium Project for Pickled on the Streets – Kuching (in conjunction with DBKU Car Free Morning), Nisa Addina for Jazz It Up, Mirian singer Naki for Malam Galau, and MATTA Malaysia for the Pickleball Grand Slam.

Officially launched ~ throughout October 2025, expect 67 unique events and 369 daily activities across 44 venues in Kuching!

Festival Director Donald Tan revealed a significant evolution for the festival’s identity: “This year, we proudly embrace the transformation of WAK into ‘We Are Kindred’. This symbolises the festival’s growth beyond Kuching to Sibu and Miri; three vibrant cityscapes now united as living showcases of Sarawak’s rich cultural tapestry and dynamic creative spirit.”

This year’s theme is ‘Roots’, and is a reflection on the deep cultural and historical foundations that anchor Sarawakians to their homeland and to each other. “Much like the ancient trees of the Borneo rainforests, our roots bind us together, keeping our creative communities resilient and ever-evolving,” added Tan.

WAK Festival 2025 will run throughout the month of October in Kuching, with earlier satellite editions already held in June in Sibu and Miri. As always, visitors can expect a diverse range of activities ranging from music, theatre, visual arts, crafts, gastronomy and community-driven events. 

The 7^th edition of WAK Festival is embracing its transformation into ‘We Are Kindred’ (formerly What About Kuching), as the festival has grown beyond Kuching to Sibu and Miri.

Also in attendance at today’s event, Deputy Minister for Tourism Sarawak, Datuk Sebastian Ting, MTCP Permanent Secretary, Datu Sherrina Hussaini, MTCP Deputy Permanent Secretary, Julin bin Alen, Chairman of Samarahan Municipal Council, Abang Ismawi bin Abang Ali, Deputy Chairman of Sibu Municipal Council, Kr Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar bin Roseley, Deputy Mayor of Miri City Council, Kr Haji Ariffin bin Mohamad, Deputy Chairman of Padawan Municipal Council, Cr Mahmud bin Dato Sri Haji Ibrahim, DBKU CDS Division Head, representing Datuk Bandaraya Kuching Utara (DBKU), Ramli bin Omar Baki, Deputy Resident of Kuching, representing Resident of Kuching, Puan Dayang Hajah Joanita Azizah, Lim Hock Meng, CEO of Sarawak Tourism Board, Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, CEO of Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), Amelia Roziman, Acting CEO of Sarawak Arts Council, Awang Ikman bin Awang Sepian, representative for Regional Director of Tourism Malaysia Sarawak, Kevin Jantan anak Robert Bidi and Founding Directors of WAK Festival, Donald Tan and Marina Foo. 

You can download your digital copy of the 7th edition of WAK Festival calendar here: https://wakfestival.com/ and keep up-to-date on the latest events on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube at @wakfestival.