KUCHING: Calligraphy enthusiasts can now rejoice as the first-ever national level Arabic calligraphy and Chinese calligraphy competition workshop will be held here.
The three-day workshop from Dec 19 to Dec 21 is jointly organised by the Sarawak Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) and Kuching-Samarahan Chinese Calligraphy Society, and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP).
Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the programme is organised to provide an opportunity for everyone to learn the origins of both calligraphies and hone their skills.
“This is a cultural heritage and identity of our country. The competition shows unity and understanding.
“Over 200 participants nationwide will participate to showcase their creativity and unique calligraphy skills,” he told a press conference on Arabic Calligraphy and Chinese Calligraphy Competition Workshop National Level 2022 at Baitulmakmur Building 2, yesterday (Dec 2).
He said the event will include special individual workshops by Arabic and Chinese calligraphy experts and a calligraphy exhibition.
“During the workshop session, there will also be a talk by a Chinese calligraphy expert from China via Zoom,” he added.
On whether the ministry will consider the programme to be part of Sarawak’s annual event, Abdul Karim said he welcomed the proposal.
“If the organisers want to hold this programme and want it to be an annual event in Sarawak, the ministry will always be there to support. Even this time, the ministry is behind the organisers to ensure the success of the programme.
“Moreover, with such a programme, it will contribute to our tourism sector aside from increasing the interest of the people from outside to come and engage in the field of calligraphy,” he said.
The competition will have four categories, namely Chinese calligraphy secondary category (Kategori Menengah), Chinese calligraphy open category, Arabic calligraphy secondary, and Arabic calligraphy open category.
For the open categories in Arabic and Chinese calligraphy, the champion will bring home a cash prize of RM6,000, followed by the runner-up (RM3,000), second runner-up (RM2,000), and a consolation prize of RM800.
And for the secondary categories in both Arabic and Chinese calligraphy, the champion will bring home a cash prize of RM2,000, followed by the runner-up (RM1,500), second runner-up (RM1,000), consolation prize (RM800).
