SIBU: The Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) has huge potential and the ability to be raised into international cultural events in the future, said Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian.
According to the Deputy Premier, it can be achieved with collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts and the Ministry of Tourism Art and Culture.
“BCF was inaugurated in the year 2003 after numerous successful debuts, namely Pesta Sibu, Millennium Celebration, and Borneo Tribal Extravaganza.
“The growth of BCF is also witnessing the development of Sibu town. BCF, no doubt, is the most iconic event and the main highlight of the Sibu Calendar of Tourism Events,” he said.
He said this in his speech when officiating the 18th Borneo Cultural Festival at Dataran Tun Tuanku Haji Bujang here last night (July 14).
Dr Sim, who is also the Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, stressed that tourism is an essential economic sector.
“It can create various job opportunities and provide livelihoods for many millions more in both developing and developed economies,” he said.
He pointed out that Sibu is a blessed town as it is geographically located at the confluence of the Rajang and Igan rivers.
“Sibu is also providing important hubs comprising the economic, cultural, and educational centres of the central region of Sarawak.
“BCF is a cultural celebration to foster respect and open-mindedness among ethnic diversities.
“This is an ideal platform to inculcate beauty in multiracial communities to create our common interests; the ultimate goal is to unite people from different communities,” he said.
In the meantime, Dr Sim congratulated the council for making another grand debut of BCF with the close cooperation, collaboration, and leadership of councillors and the competent teamwork of the council administration.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Michael Tiang Ming Tee, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting, Sibu Municipal Council chairman Clarence Ting Ing Horh, and SMC deputy chairman and organising chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Rosely.
