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Tag: Sarawak

  • Sarawak Consolidated Industries Berhad Provides Further Clarification on LOA from Ennova

    Sarawak Consolidated Industries Berhad (SCIB), a civil engineering specialist, wishes to clarify further on the Letter of Award dated 7 June 2022 (LoA) granted by Ennova Sdn Bhd appointing SCIB Properties Sdn Bhd (SCIBP) as a sub-contractor to undertake an engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning contract in connection with the Integrated Smart Lamp Pole Replacement project for Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL).

    Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SCIB, Encik Rosland bin Othman

    In addition to the information furnished in the LoA, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SCIB, Encik Rosland bin Othman, noted that SCIBP’s scope of work included but is not limited to site clearing, excavation and reinforced concrete footing structure, laying all reinforcement concrete, bolts and nuts, and plates on all mild steel structures, with the poles, fittings and accessories to be supplied by Ennova.

    “The scope also includes perimeter chain-link fencing works, mild steel gates and erection; earthworks, levelling, setting out, making point, and other related works; mechanical and engineering works such as wiring, switch boxes, connection to conduits, lay ground earth cable and rem as well as installation of monopole.”

    Ennova is to bear all construction cost of the poles, including the rental of each erected pole in accordance with the agreed rental price between it and DBKL.

    “We are unaware of any funding or financing arrangement for the contract by DBKL.

    Sarawak Consolidated Industries Berhad: http://scib.com.my/
    Sarawak Consolidated Industries Berhad: 9237 / [BURSA: SCIB]

  • Jazz in The Jungle with Borneo Jazz Festival in June 2022

    Jazz in The Jungle with Borneo Jazz Festival in June 2022

    One of Southeast Asia’s longest running international jazz festivals – Borneo Jazz festival (BJ) – is back once again, bringing musicians of diverse cultural backgrounds together to celebrate jazz music and empower the local community.

    YB Karim officially launched the Borneo Jazz 2022 festival, which will be in hybrid format at Miri International Airport today.

    Themed “Jazz in The Jungle”, the Borneo Jazz festival will be held from 24 to 26 June 2022 in a hybrid format to reach out to the greater jazz-loving community worldwide. The physical concert will take place at Coco Cabana, Miri while viewers will also be able to livestream one-hour blocks of their performances from home.

    With musical content curated by No Black Tie Presents, Malaysia’s foremost jazz promoter, music lovers can expect a spectacular mix of jazz and hip-hop, tribal vibes, world beats and electro-jazz grooves during the 17th edition of the Borneo Jazz festival.

    Watch out for an eclectic mix of jazz musicians, rappers and DJs from USA, Hungary, Singapore, France, Malaysia and more lighting up the Borneo Jazz stage to celebrate cultural diversity, tradition and innovation.

    Sarawak Arts Council’s band Sarawak Symphony Orchestra (SONS) will also be taking to the Borneo Jazz stage for the first time in a continued collaboration with Sarawak Tourism Board, with the aim to lift Sarawak’s local music scene.

    The announcement on the highly anticipated annual event was made today by Yang Berhormat Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts along with Yang Berhormat Datuk Sebastian Ting Chew Yew, Deputy Minister of Tourism Sarawak, Yang Berhormat Mr. Dennis Ngau, Chairman of Sarawak Tourism Board, Mr. Hii Chang Kee, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Puan Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Tourism Board, Captain Nasaruddin A Bakar, Chief Operating Officer of MASwings representing Malaysia Aviation Group and Stephanie Kuan representing artistic director No Black Tie Presents.

    During his speech, Yang Berhormat Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts said, “With the theme “Jazz in the Jungle”, this year’s Borneo Jazz is about rejuvenating the jazz scene while being surrounded by the wonders of nature that are in abundance in Miri, the gateway to Northern Sarawak. As we all know, artistes and musicians have all been affected by the lockdowns, so Borneo Jazz festival serves as the perfect platform to rejuvenate, rediscover, rekindle and rebuild the jazz connection that was interrupted for the past two years.”

    “The hybrid concert is the best way to go this year based on the positive response we have received from the Borneo Jazz Virtual Experience last year in 2021. For the record, the Borneo Jazz Virtual Experience 2021 three-day journey garnered 244,637 online viewers from 43 countries. This year, we hope to have a wider outreach to international audiences encompassing more countries.”

    Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Tourism Board, Puan Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor said, “We are pleased to once again bring music lovers in Malaysia and around the world physically back to Borneo Jazz festival in Miri, the northern gateway of Sarawak”

    “Last year, the music festival reached a broader audience given the virtual format, and we hope to continue this traction once again this year. Our goal is to provide our Sarawakian artists with an even bigger platform for their artistry to be recognised around the world.”

    Chief Operating Officer of MASwings, Captain Nasaruddin A Bakar said, “We are delighted to support and celebrate the world’s culture through music by transporting travellers from all over the globe to Borneo Jazz festival this year. Travellers will be able to experience Malaysia’s proud history of its warm hospitality the moment they step onboard through our service and offerings that embody Malaysia’s incredible facility, capturing its rich traditions, culture and cuisines throughout their journey with us.”

    The announcement was followed by the unveiling of Sarawak Tourism’s ‘More to Discover’ livery on three (3) MASwings ATR 72-500 aircraft as part of the one-year collaboration with the Sarawak Tourism Board. The interior of the aircraft is also painted with visuals of Sarawak’s tourist attractions such as events, food and culture and ecotourism destinations.

    Captain Nasa who expressed his pleasure for MASwings to be the airline bearing the special livery added, “We are pleased to work together with Sarawak Tourism on the campaign which is expected to provide great visibility to promote Sarawak to the domestic market. Being the Pulse of Borneo, MASwings serves a specialised market, meeting tourists’ travel needs in terms of connectivity and affordable transportation. With the launch of Sarawak Tourism’s ‘More to Discover’ campaign on our turboprops, we trust that it will certainly help fulfil the government’s agenda to stimulate growth in tourist visits through tourism.”

    Building up a sustainable musical tourism in Sarawak

    “Our focus apart from positioning Borneo Jazz as a top-notch Jazz Festival in the region, is to empower and raise cultural awareness through Borneo Jazz Talent Search and Borneo Jazz FAB LAB platform, providing performance and networking opportunities, giving awards and recognition, as we strongly believe in promoting sustainability in the growth of arts & culture within the local community, and the importance of cultural exchange in fostering greater understanding between people of different cultural backgrounds which aligns with the STB’s and the state’s sustainable journey,” said Evelyn Hii, Artistic Director of Borneo Jazz festival 2022.

    Borneo Jazz will feature performances by the winners of the nationwide Borneo Jazz Talent Search launched on April 1 for DJ, Jazz and Open categories. Together with Borneo Jazz Festival FAB Lab 2022, aspiring musicians will be given the chance to grow their musical talent alongside renowned local and international artistes while also contributing to the growth of Miri as the region’s jazz centre.

    Additional activities around the Borneo Jazz festival will be the Eco Drum and Eco Art projects, both aimed to raise awareness towards creating a more eco-friendly and sustainable city.

    Bundled deals and significant savings with Malaysia Airlines

    To drive visitors and inbound traffic to Sarawak, Malaysia Airlines, the national carrier under Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), has been named the official airline partner of the Borneo Jazz Music Festival.

    As the official airline partner for Borneo Jazz festival, Malaysia Airlines and supported by its sister company Firefly will offer attractive deals of up to 15% discount on flights from Peninsular Malaysia, London, Australia and some ASEAN destinations to cities in Sarawak. Firefly will fly passengers from Penang to Kuching via its jet operations.

    To enjoy the discount, music lovers joining the Borneo Jazz festival must insert a unique promo code (BORNEO22) between 25 April 2022 and 15 May 2022 for travels between 1 and 30 June 2022 to enjoy significant savings. These deals are available exclusively for those who purchase the normal pass to Borneo Jazz festival through the airline’s respective websites.

    Borneo Jazz ticket prices

    Jazz music lovers can start purchasing tickets for BJ starting 22nd April 2022 from the website jazzborneo.com. For the public category, 1 Day Pass is priced at RM128 per ticket, 2 Day Pass is RM228 per ticket and 3 Day Pass is RM338 per ticket

    As for students and senior citizens, 1 Day Pass is priced at RM88 per ticket ,2 Day Pass is RM128 per ticket and 3 Day Pass is RM188 per ticket.

    For those who want to enjoy BJ virtually, tickets are priced at RM25 per one-hour block. For more information on Borneo Jazz festival 2022, log on to BJ’s official website at jazzborneo.com.

    Karim also unveiled the “Sarawak More to Discover” display on MASwings’ luggage compartment for the ATR 72-500 aircraft. Sarawak’s visibility, which can be seen in three aircrafts, showcases elements of the five pillars of Sarawak tourism – Culture, Nature, Adventure Food and Festival (CANFF).

    About Sarawak

    A kaleidoscope of culture, adventure, nature, food and festivals: is the best description for Sarawak. Sarawak comprises 28 ethnic tribes with their own unique traditions, lifestyles, music and food, while sharing their warm hospitality. Malaysia’s largest state, Sarawak, endowed with some of the oldest rainforests on Earth. Its vast landscape spans over 120,000 sq kms, with towering mountains and cool highlands, jagged limestone formations and mysterious cave systems, winding rivers and quiet beaches; where adventures are waiting to happen. Festivals are hosted throughout the year celebrate the eclectic blend of modern and traditional culture, food, music and religious practices that can be found nowhere else. In Sarawak, there is always ‘More to Discover’.

    About Sarawak Tourism Board

    Sarawak Tourism Board is the key promoter for Sarawak. STB is a winner of the Asia Pacific Excellence Awards 2016 by Asia-Pacific Association of Communications Directors (APACD) and has received the ASEAN PR Excellence Award 2015 Gold Award. The Rainforest World Music Festival is a five-time Top 25 Best International Festivals recognised by Songlines World Music Magazine (2011 – 2015). Meanwhile, the Rainforest World Music Festival and Borneo Jazz Festival Virtual Experiences were recognised by World Responsible Tourism Awards 2021 as ‘Ones to Watch’ under Destinations Building Back Better Post-Covid. Sarawak Tourism Board also won the Golden City Gate 2019 five-star award and Marketing Excellence Awards 2021 for Excellence in Mobile Marketing (bronze).

  • Miri the Centre of Sarawak’s Tourist Attractions

    Miri the Centre of Sarawak’s Tourist Attractions

    When talking about Sarawak, many will focus on the state capital of Kuching, the administrative centre since the time of James Brooke, steeped in history and rich in cultural diversity of people from various ethnic backgrounds.

    Many tend to overlook another interesting district, Miri, which is undergoing rapid development and not short of its own travel attractions.

    The district, which is the second largest in Sarawak, is a fascinating tourist destination with its own history. This is the town where oil was first discovered in Malaysia and an archaeological site where the oldest human remains in Southeast Asia were found.

    Miri is also the first non-capital town to be granted city status on the 20th of May 2005, with the title “Bandar Peranginan” or “Resort City”.

    Indeed, the Resort City of Miri is a one stop centre with various interesting treasures to be enjoyed by travellers.

    THE GRAND OLD LADY

    The writer had a chance to participate in a tour organised by Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) to visit several interesting sites in Miri.

    The first location is the Grand Old Lady in Canada Hill. The view from the top of the hills is panoramic and mesmerizing, suitable for those looking for peaceful surroundings and also for family outings.

    There is an old oil well on the hill called The Grand Old Lady, once described as a ‘mother’ producing precious resource for the people of her land.

    The Grand Old Lady is the first oil well in Malaysia, drilled in 1910, and producing oil for 62 years. The well was drilled manually every day by local workers to extract the oil. The well produced 660,000 barrels of oil throughout its operations before it was shut down on the 31st of October, 1972.

    The oil well sparked the development of the oil industry in the district and has indirectly transformed Miri from a sleepy fishermen’s village in the 20th century into a modern and thriving city in the 21st century.

    For all history lovers, this is a must visit landmark as it is rich in historical information and you are advised to hire a knowledgeable guide to give you a thorough briefing.

    The tour guide provided to us by STB was Maza Hamden, who is young but highly experienced. He gave a detailed description of the first well, as good as a Google search, with complete information from the top of his mind with just ‘one click’.

    Every significant date, even its oil producing capacity, hundreds of years of history was explained clearly to us without a single note in hand, indicating that the youngster is very well-versed in the history of his home state.

    NIAH CAVES

    Home to many national parks, Sarawak is full of natural wonders. In total, it has 23 national parks open to the public, one of which is the famous Niah National Park.

    Interestingly, Niah National Park houses the oldest cave in Malaysia which is also one of the largest limestone cave system in the world.

    Even though in terms of size, the Niah National Park is among the smallest in Sarawak, it is clearly the most important and attracts a lot of tourists. One of the reasons for this is the discovery of 65,000 year-old human fossils (based on the latest research in 2017) in Niah Caves, making it the earliest known human dwelling in Southeast Asia.

    Niah Caves is open to the public every day. Visitors can just ‘walk-in’ to the registration counter or take a private guided tour package to the Niah Caves offered by travel agencies.

    For the writers trip recently, STB provided an Iban Tour Guide, Boniface Haikal Abdullah who gave us a detailed briefing on the history and structure of the Niah Caves.

    Thus, we were more than amazed at its significant historical value.

    Before making the journey here, visitors are advised to make full preparations such wearing appropriate gear, bringing a torch light and raincoat. The dark chambers and slippery surfaces filled with bat droppings would hamper movement, especially without the proper footwear.

    According to Boniface, bat droppings in the caves are collected in sacks and used as fertiliser for the agricultural sector.

    One interesting fact is that before entering the Niah Caves, visitors will past through the Traders Cave, a marketplace for bird’s nest traders to sell their harvests. We can still see remnants of huts built during the 50s.

    The Niah Caves is also the nesting location for swiftlets, with the nests being a source of income for the locals. However, the authorities monitor the collection of the bird’s nests in the area to ensure a sustainable population.

    Another interesting sight here is the house built by Sarawak Museum Curator, Tom Harosson and his wife Barbara Harisson, back in 1958.

    The couple were the ones who made the hugely important discovery of a human skull on the eastern part of the main entrance of the Niah Caves.

    After an exhausting 3.5 km walk from the main entrance, visitors can take a break to visit the Inap Desa Rh Patrick Libau Longhouse, to observe first-hand how long house dwellers live their daily lives.

    The writer also had the opportunity to meet with Homestay Advisor, John Abau Anak Ujang who served us traditional Iban cuisine called pansuh. He was ably assisted by his wife, who served us ayam pansuh (chicken cooked in bamboo), ikan kelah pansuh (freshwater fish cooked in bamboo), sayur rebung masak lemak (spicy creamy bamboo shoots) and paku pakis (ferns).

    Of the four dishes, we have only tried the paku-pakis in Kuala Lumpur. It was the first time we sampled local delicacies such as pansuh. It was a truly amazing experience that can be shared with friends in Kuala Lumpur.

    According to John Abau, he and his wife often served this traditional dish to tourists upon special request.

    MIRI CROCODILE FARM

    Apart from historical sites and ecotourism attractions, The Miri Crocodile Farm and Wildlife Mini Zoo is also a must-see local attraction for tourists.

    Sarawak is synonymous with crocodiles. It is quite common to see signboards warning people of crocodiles on pathways in Sarawak. There is also the famous legend of a giant crocodile called Bujang Senang, which is well known throughout Malaysia.

    The Miri Crocodile Park has more than 2,000 crocodiles including an albino one. The park is still sustainable although it faced severe challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic which affected the travel industry as a whole.

    In addition to crocodiles, The Miri Crocodile Farm and Wildlife Mini Zoo is also home to about 60 birds and exotic animals such as eagles, pythons, and iguanas to provide visitors with a better understanding of their natural habitat.

    Here, visitors can purchase products made from crocodile skin including belts, hats and wallets.

    Tickets to the Miri Crocodile Park can be purchased at RM25 for adults and RM1 for kids.

    MIRI’S AESTHETICAL QUALITIES

    Miri has its own unique aesthetical qualities that sets it apart as a tourist destination, without being overshadowed by other districts in Sarawak.

    Apart from the Grand Old Lady oil well, Niah Caves and Miri Crocodile Farm, Miri has other interesting and relaxing destinations such as Coco Cabana, a tranquil location to view the sunset.

    Visitors can take picturesque romantic photos with their loved ones and families. They can also see the iconic seahorse landmark of Miri.

    Visitors to Miri must not miss the opportunity to visit the Miri Handicraft Centre to see various unique works of art produced by the Sarawak native community, including their famous woven items.

    Last but not least, a visit to Sarawak would not be complete without bringing home the Sarawak layered cake. Tourists can get it either from the Saberkas Night Market, Kek Lapis Siti Payung outlet, or from the Miri Airport.

    Niah National Park: https://niahnationalpark.my/

  • Januarie is proud to serve as a National Park Ranger

    Januarie is proud to serve as a National Park Ranger

    A deep interest in forestry prompted Januarie Kulis, 37, to turn this field into a career. She has been the Niah National Park Ranger since 2011, and has never regretted leaving the city’s busy atmosphere and making flora and fauna as her ‘office’.

    Born in Sibu, Sarawak, Januarie is a graduate in Bachelor of Forestry Science from Universiti Putra Malaysia and has been with the Sarawak Forestry Corporation since 2006.

    As park ranger, Januarie is responsible for managing overall field operations at Niah National Park including protection and conservation, management and eco-tourism.

    “When I graduated from university, I chose to work in this field. I wanted to be a part of the process of conservation and protection of this treasure. Now, I have the opportunity to be directly involved in conserving and protecting the invaluable natural world.”

    While this career seems tough and far from the perception of every woman’s dream job, Januarie never considered her job as a challenge because she was doing the job she loved.

    For Januarie, many valuable memories and experiences can be enjoyed that may not be available through other careers. She is able to meet and engage with different communities through the programmes conducted.

    “Many tourists think that all national parks in Sarawak are the same until they visit every national park in the state. Each national park in Sarawak has its own value and provides a different experience for each visitor.

    “In Niah National Park, there are four significant attractions, which are archaeological historical sites, swiftlet nests (sarang burung walit), limestone and biodiversity,” she said.

    Niah Cave is in the hinterland of Miri, Sarawak and has been gazetted as a historic site under the authority of the Sarawak Museum and located within the Niah National Park which is protected by the National Park and Nature Reserve Ordinance.

    Januarie said that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Niah National Park had to be closed for a period of time. However, they are ready to reopen the national park with stricter Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) in compliance with the recommendations of the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH).

    “The tourism industry plays an important role in connecting this national park with the public as well as generating economic income. National parks can provide many benefits in terms of physical, spiritual and mental.”

    “Those who love nature will be able to enjoy peace at this park. Eco-tourism has many benefits and can build a healthy society,” she said.

    Eco-tourism is one of the main themes of tourism activities in Sarawak. Now, many city dwellers have begun to appreciate the values of nature as a therapeutic tool to get away from the congestion of city life.

    The flora and fauna found in Sarawak is unique and has an undeniable diversity, both for researchers and the general public. Iconic species such as orangutans, rafflesia flowers and a variety of habitats provide an exciting experience for tourists.

    Meanwhile, according to a Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) spokesperson, efforts to make Gua Niah National Park recognised as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (UNESCO) is underway.

    “Niah National Park has been listed in the category of ‘MIXED PROPERTIES’ which means it has both advantages in terms of nature and culture that can be highlighted and has the opportunity to compete with other candidates in the world,” she said.

    Niah National Park: https://niahnationalpark.my/

  • Sarawak Welcomes Baby Orangutans in Semenggoh Wildlife Centre

    Sarawak Welcomes Baby Orangutans in Semenggoh Wildlife Centre

    Just 20 kilometers from the south of Kuching is a wildlife centre which acts as a semi-wild home to orangutans. Called the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, it is the biggest orangutan rehabilitation centre in Sarawak. This centre is nestled in a larger natural forest called Semenggoh Nature Reserve.

    Recently, Semenggoh Nature Reserve proudly announced the birth of a baby orangutan, born between 22 – 23 January 2022. This is the fourth baby for Analisa who herself was born at the centre in 1996.

    While the birth of a baby is always exciting news for the protection of orangutans, Semenggoh Nature Reserve has even more special news this year – the birth of two more orangutan babies, making three new orangutan additions in 2022 – a first for the centre.

    Protecting Biodiversity at the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre

    Few places on Earth can match the biodiversity of Sarawak. More than half of Sarawak’s land area is covered in rainforests, making it a home to a large variety of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic.

    Semenggoh Nature Reserve plays a vital role in protecting the biodiversity of Sarawak, by serving as a training area for orangutans. For over 25 years, the wardens at Semenggoh Wildlife Centre have been training young orangutans, who had been orphaned or rescued from captivity. The training is to equip them on survival, i.e. how to survive in the wild.

    Today, this wildlife centre has a thriving population of healthy adolescent and young adult semi-wild orangutans, now breeding in the nature reserve.

    Semenggoh Nature Reserve still receive visits from its successful semi-wild breeding graduates and their babies. They spend most of their time roaming the forest but during lean times, such as when the forests are low on fruits and edible plants, the orangutans do make their way back to the feeding platforms for supplementary meals.

    Conservation Efforts for Orangutans in Sarawak

    Entrusted to safeguard and sustain the amazing biodiversity in Sarawak’s forests, Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) has in place multiple programmes and initiatives to ensure that the flora and fauna of Sarawak remains protected.

    Among the programmes to conserve the species include protecting its wild habitats in locations like Batang Ai National Park, Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary and the Sebuyau-Sedilu-Lesong protected areas. Surveys are also conducted to estimate the population of these animals. Other vital components of SFC’s work are eco-tourism, conservation education and community engagements and these are carried out regularly so as to rally support for the orangutans and their habitats. Degraded areas in the habitats are also identified for restoration activities like rewilding with native plant species.

    To support all these expanding activities, SFC also engages in fund-raising. This includes organising adoption fundraising programmes, which raises funds for orangutan conservation and rehabilitation. The virtual adoption programme is open to all, citizens of the world and this is also an avenue for SFC to disseminate information about orangutan conservation activities carried out in Sarawak.

    Funds are channeled towards supporting orangutan conservation projects, educational activities, food and medication for orangutans (when needed).

    Show your love for orangutans with a symbolic adoption. Learn more about the gentle big apes and support SFC conservation works with an Orangutan Adoption Programme here: https://semenggoh.my/adopt-orangutan/

    Tourism Drives Conservation

    With a belief that educating the public is vital in orangutan conservation, the Semenggoh Nature Reserve welcomes visitors daily.

    The best time to visit is during the morning (9.00-10.00am) and afternoon (3.00-4.00pm) feeding sessions when there is a good chance of seeing semi-wild orangutan returning to the feeding platforms for their supplementary meal.

    SFC strictly adheres to the Ministry of Health’s standard operating procedures, the Parks and Nature Reserve Ordinance, 1998 and its Regulations, 1999, and organises only two sessions per day with a maximum of 175 visitors per session.

    Besides orangutans, Semenggoh Nature Reserve is also a habitat for rare flora and fauna including the giant squirrel, pygmy squirrel, gibbons and splendid variety of birds.

    Semenggoh Nature Reserve: http://semenggoh.my/

  • atch Borneo Jazz Festival Free This 25-27 June

    KUCHING, MALAYSIA, June 23, 2021 – (ACN Newswire) – The countdown has started for the Borneo Jazz Festival Virtual Journey to be held from 25-27 June 2021 from 6pm to 7.30pm.

    BJF 2021 will be a combination of flashbacks to past musical acts that performed at BJF as well as original pre-recorded sessions and interviews with renowned jazz musicians from Sarawak and around the world.

    Viewers will be serenaded by a string of jazz musicians including Clinton Jerome Chua, O-Ha Soul Band, Nisa Addina, Borneo Jazz Talent Search 2018 winner Ta’Dan and the “Prince of Borneo” himself – Pete Kallang.

    Meanwhile, the BJF2021 Virtual Journey will also feature exclusive interviews with Singapore’s ‘King of Swing’ and Asia’s Jazz Superstar Jeremy Monteiro; Dave Brewer of Dave and the Doodaddies; and John Hammond.

    “Covid-19 has shown us how important digital and social media has been for artists to reach out to their audiences and maintain their fan-following throughout the pandemic. After more than a year of watching the international entertainment industry, among others, innovate on how to reach out to their target groups, we look forward to seeing fans and new audiences embrace the Borneo Jazz Festival 2021 Virtual Journey,” said Sarawak Tourism Board CEO Sharzede Datu Hj Salleh Askor.

    “With the BJF 2021 now bringing the Virtual Journey into people’s homes through the Borneo Jazz Festival platform, TVS and Shopee Live there could be more new audiences and jazz lovers locally and from around the world,” she said.

    Through the virtual platform on www.jazzborneo.com, viewers can watch the performances, interviews and flashbacks as well as engage in conversation with other online users throughout the 90-minute events.

    Borneo Jazz Festival (BJF) will be viewable on www.jazzborneo.com, TVS and on Shopee Live.

    Registrants to the BJF platform will be eligible for the contest giveaways to be held during the virtual events, where you can win free tickets to next year’s festivals, discounts to selected hotels, event merchandise and much more.

    Viewers can also enjoy the show on TVS, Sarawak’s very own tv station on Astro (Channel 122) and BJF’s Official Broadcast Partner.

    Grab is the Official Delivery Partner for BJF. Those who register and access the musical events on www.jazzborneo.com will be able to order food and receive discounts with a special promo code.

    With Shopee named as the Official E-commerce Partner, the virtual experience will also be streamed via Shopee Live, giving access to millions of households across the country to enjoy the showcase from the comforts of their own homes.

    Sarawak Tourism Board has opened an official store on Shopee to feature merchandise from BJF. This includes BJF Limited Edition T-shirts, Limited Edition Batik Linut Face Mask, Limited Edition Printed Batik Face Mask, and other attractive products.

    To get Limited Edition BJF merchandise, visit https://shopee.com.my/placeborneosdnbhd

    About Sarawak

    A kaleidoscope of culture, adventure, nature, food and festivals: is the best description for Sarawak. Sarawak comprises 27 ethnic tribes with their own unique traditions, lifestyles, music and food, while sharing their warm hospitality. Malaysia’s largest state, Sarawak, endowed with some of the oldest rainforests on Earth. Its vast landscape spans over 120,000 sq kms, with towering mountains and cool highlands, jagged limestone formations and mysterious cave systems, winding rivers and quiet beaches; where adventures are waiting to happen. Festivals are hosted throughout the year celebrate the eclectic blend of modern and traditional culture, food, music and religious practices that can be found nowhere else. In Sarawak, there is always ‘More to Discover’.

    About Sarawak Tourism Board

    Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) is the key promoter for Sarawak. STB is a winner of the Asia Pacific Excellence Awards in 2018 and 2016 by Asia-Pacific Association of Communications Directors (APACD) and has received the ASEAN PR Excellence Award 2015 Gold Award. The Board also received the Travel Journal Awards in 2017 for ‘Best for Nature’ category at the ASEAN Tourism Forum. The Rainforest World Music Festival is a five-time Top 25 Best International Festivals recognised by Songlines world music magazine (2011-2015), The BrandLaureate World BestBrands Award “Destination Branding” (2019) and PATA Gold Award Marketing Travel Video winner “Why Limit Yourself” (2019).

    For media enquiries, please contact:
    Communications
    Marketing Department
    Sarawak Tourism Board
    Email: margaret@sarawaktourism.com