ACG Concert largest in Borneo, set to debut global sensation Avantgardey

BT
9 hours ago
4 min read

KUCHING, 7 January 2026 - Anime and music fans across Borneo have something epic to look forward to. The Band Lab, officially supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP) Sarawak, announced this afternoon the 2026 edition of its flagship production, "The ACG Concert". Set for Jan 31 at Stadium Perpaduan, this spectacular event is set to be the largest Anime, Comics, and Games (ACG) orchestra production in Borneo. If that’s not momentous enough, the concert will also make history with the inclusion of global dance sensation Avantgardey from Japan on their first ever appearance in Borneo!

The announcement was made by Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah at a press conference, where he revealed the concert's show-stopping highlight that has gone viral on various social media platforms. The electrifying group, who captivated millions worldwide as finalists on America's Got Talent, will bring their jaw-dropping choreography that can be described as clockwork precision to Kuching, in what promises to be an unforgettable night.

“We congratulate the organisers for their efforts in having the forthcoming concert which is a bold statement on Sarawak’s readiness and capabilities in hosting international-scale stadium spectacles that will merge the traditional discipline of an orchestra with the high-energy world of modern pop culture,” Karim said in his statement during the the press conference earlier today.

“This is a commendable achievement for our local creative industry. Integrating a global act of this stature into our local orchestral production proves that Sarawak’s artistic vision is beyond epic. It is also a testament on how our Kuching City has evolved. We are no longer just a city of heritage, but a dynamic, modern hub where global art meets the heart of Sarawak,” he added.

The concert celebrates the flourishing “Sarawak-Japan Cultural Bridge” initiative, which emerged from the success of the Sarawak International Band and Orchestra Festival (SIBOFest) 2024. That festival brought over 70 Japanese musicians to Kuching and ultimately led to the establishment of The Band Lab Japan, the official sister branch of The Band Lab Kuching.

“I am indeed proud of the past achievements and milestones achieved by our young local musicians who have made good impressions on the international scene. With our continuing support, they can go further and in September last year, our Ministry had lent the support in sending a delegation of young Sarawakian musicians a cultural exchange to Japan. Through such overseas exposure trips, our young local talents had obtained the rare opportunity to perform and train alongside top-tier Japanese high school bands and even an orchestra from Guam,” said the Minister.

Musicians from The Band Lab Japan will fly to Kuching specifically to perform together with local talents, thus bringing this cultural partnership full circle.

The ACG Concert on Jan 31 at Stadium Perpaduan begins at 8pm, with doors opening at 6.30pm. Prepare for an evening of pure adrenaline and emotion as the concert delivers:

Avantgardey's historic Borneo debut, featuring the jaw-dropping choreography that made them internet sensations
A massive 60-piece orchestra and 50-piece choir bringing to life iconic soundtracks from anime favourites including Naruto, Demon Slayer, Studio Ghibli classics, Kimi No Nawa, Suzume, and many more
Spectacular pyrotechnics that will light up Stadium Perpaduan
An immersive cosplay celebration, with fans encouraged to transform the stadium into a living anime convention

“We are currently in a new era of ‘Concert Tourism.’ There are adoring fans all over the world who are willing to spend money and to travel across borders for unique, high-quality experiences. By bringing in a world-class act like Avantgardey dance group and pairing them with our own award-winning orchestra, we will be positioning Sarawak as a premier destination for the creative arts in Southeast Asia,” Karim enthused.

Besides giving local fans a spectacular show, the concert also provides invaluable experience for the local musicians, technical crews, and performers involved, elevating them to international stadium production standards.

“I would like to congratulate The Band Lab for their vision and their courage in organising the forthcoming ‘The ACG Concert’ which reflects their courage in dreaming big. You have proven that when we empower our youths, they are more self-confident and can even reach out to their peer groups across vast oceans by bringing Sarawak to the world,” Karim concluded.

Individual tickets are available through the official ticketing partner Ticket2U at http://t2u.asia/e/43801. Corporate and institutional bulk purchase rates are available for companies and schools. Contact The Band Lab at contact@thebandlab.com to secure special rates.