The 6th Sabah International Folklore Festival (SIFF) to be held from July 17 to 26 this year will feature 18 international cultural dance troupes. The festival is an international event to promote cultural tourism, organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment through the Sabah Cultural Board.
"Sabah will be hosting delegates from India, Slovakia, Indonesia, Latvia, Namibia, Taiwan, Belgium, Estonia, Philippines, Egypt, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Korea and Turkey," said Tourism, Culture and Environment Assistant Minister, Datuk Bolkiah Ismail. It will be held at the Penampang Cultural Centre.
New elements will be introduced in this year's festival, namely the "Bal-bal" mascot, which is derived from the ethnic Iranun folklore, exhibition and selling of traditional Sabah food and also a cultural parade, he said at the sponsorship cheque handing over here, Wednesday. "Art enthusiasts will also be able to attend the International Folk Art Festival with participating artists from Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Taiwan, Russia and Malaysia," said Bolkiah, who is also the festival's organising chairman.
The festival has raised a total of RM33,500 in sponsorship from Malakun Holdings Sdn Bhd, Tung-E Enterprise Sdn Bhd, Hotel Juta Sdn Bhd, Progressive Insurance Bhd, Sabah Tea Sdn Bhd, Pantai Dalit Resort, Malaysian Timber Industry Board, Perkasa Tenom, Sabah Softwood Berhad, Saujana Environment and Montis Sdn Bhd.
"This is a yearly event and we hope more agencies and companies will come forward to give their support," he said. The main objectives of the festival are to promote understanding and harmony through culture; promoting brotherhood through culture; promoting cultural tourism among participating nations; and promoting the State as a tourist destination in Asia in accordance with the "Malaysia Truly Asia" slogan.
The festival will hold events such as Sabah Folkdance Competition which will be held from July 20 to 21 at the Penampang Cultural Centre, followed by the "Prime Show" on July 22 at Magellan Sutera Harbour and the International Folkdance Competition from July 23 to 24 at the cultural centre.
Also present was Sabah Cultural Board Chairman, Datuk Wences Anggang.
For further information, the public can contact the Sabah Cultural Board at Tel: 088-268 851, Fax: 088-264 235, e-mail: borneosiff@gmail.com or browse their website at
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