WAK Sibu 2026 opens with Melanau cultural tribute
- BT
- 20 minutes ago
- 2 min read
SIBU, 13 June 2026 - The third edition of the WAK Sibu Festival 2026 was officially launched on Friday evening at the Sibu Heritage Centre, this time celebrating the traditions of the Melanau people through a showcase of traditional dance and music.
The opening event, themed “Celebrating Us: The Melanaus,”the launch was officiated by Councillor Michelle Law Wan Ling of the Sibu Municipal Council, on behalf of Council Chairman, Clarence Ting. Also present at the event were Assistant Secretary of the Events Section at the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP), Nazari bin Bujang; Deputy Director of JabatanKebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara (JKKN) Sarawak, Norsyahrul Syafsaidatina binti Ismail; and Ivan Sia from the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS).
Running from June 12 to 14 June, the festival is a community-powered arts, culture and lifestyle celebration aimed at driving local vibrancy, empowering grassroots talent and boosting Sarawak’s tourism landscape.
Speaking on behalf of the SMC Chairman, Michelle said WAK Sibu is “…not just a festival, it is Sibu’s energy, creativity, and cultural spirit on full display. It creates a vibrant space for people to come together, unwind, and celebrate our shared identity while enriching our town’s creative economy.”
Operating under the ethos “By the Community, For the Community,” WAK Sibu is a satellite edition of the WAK Festival and brings together participants from across different cultural communities.
Following the Melanau cultural showcase, the opening night transitioned into Citra Malaysia “Colours of Malaysia”: PirinKamek, a performance organised by JKKN to celebrate the breadth of Malaysia’s rich heritage, arts and traditions.
Festival Director, Donald Tan in expressing his gratitude, said: “It is an honour to see Sibu’s vibrant spirit shine through this festival. We are deeply grateful to Cr Clarence Ting, the Council, and our partners for believing in the power of community-led celebrations. This festival belongs to the people of Sibu.”
WAK Sibu Festival 2026 is made possible thanks through support from the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Sibu Municipal Council, local authorities, partners, artistes and volunteers.
WAK Sibu Festival 2026 ends June 14, 2026 at the Sibu Heritage Centre here.
