SICFest returns with strongest international participation yet

KUCHING, 11 June 2026: The Sarawak International Choral Festival and Symposium (SICFest & Sym) 2026 is set to make its highly anticipated return from June 19 to 21 here, bringing together more than 1,200 singers, conductors, and music enthusiasts from Malaysia and around the world. Organised by the Kuching Choral Society (KCS), this third edition marks the festival’s largest and most internationally diverse gathering to date, with 1,258 registered participants, including 393 international delegates representing six countries, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, the United States, and of course Malaysia.

Festival Director Benedict Lo, who also chairs KCS, emphasised that SICFest continues to strengthen its role as a platform for artistic excellence, education, and international collaboration.

“We are proud to welcome an even more diverse international choral community to Sarawak and to provide opportunities for performers, educators, and audiences to connect through the universal language of music,” he said, adding that the festival brings together participants of all ages, from children to senior singers, united by their passion for choral music.

Speaking at a press conference to announce the festival, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, highlighted the festival’s rapid growth since its inception. He said that the festival has grown from being a local and national programme into a regional hub for choral arts, with last year’s international expansion paving the way for this year’s strong global turnout.

“Music possesses a unique power to connect people. Through singing, we transcend differences in language, culture and geography,” he said, highlighting the festival’s role in fostering friendship, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding.

The festival programme promises a blend of competition, education, and community engagement. Adjudicated performances will see 34 choirs competing in eight categories, while masterclasses and workshops led by distinguished choral experts will provide valuable learning opportunities. A special workshop on Sarawak music and culture, presented by members of the Kenyah community, will highlight the state’s unique heritage. In addition, Friendship Concerts at public venues such as tHe Spring Mall, Vivacity Megamall, and Plaza Merdeka will bring music directly to the community, ensuring that the joy of choral singing is shared widely.

One of the most anticipated highlights is the Grand Prix Competition, where category winners will compete for the festival’s highest honour. The event will culminate in a Closing and Award Ceremony at the brand new Voco Hotel, graced by the Governor of Sarawak, His Excellency Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar, and his wife, Her Most Gracious Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Binti Mohd Sanusi.

SICFest contributes significantly to Sarawak’s growing reputation as a destination for arts, culture, and creative tourism. With strong support from the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak and Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), the festival continues to expand its international reach and reinforce Sarawak’s position as a growing centre for cultural events and creative exchange.