Spectators revel in Spring Festival Gala Concert 2017
KUCHING: China’s ‘Happy Spring Festival’ came here in a big way with an impressive display at the Sarawak Indoor Stadium on Saturday night, as the audience revelled in the sights and sounds of the 2017 Malaysia- China Spring Festival Gala Concert.
Organised by China Centre of International Culture Exchange, Ministry of Culture China in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Sarawak, the concert was a cultural branding of Chinese New Year festive melody and Asean music.
“It is a platform to celebrate diversity in culture for the two countries,” said Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.
In a speech read by Assistant Minister for Tourism Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Abang Johari said the showcase between two cultures was a perfect way to kick- start and foster closer collaboration and rapport with China in bilateral trade and tourism.
“I would like to see more China airlines land in Sarawak, preferably direct flights, but a journey of 1,000 miles starts with simple steps. Let’s start with some chartered flights and we can slowly build up to a more regular scheduled flight in the days to come,” he said.
He reminded Sarawakians that China was a ‘humongous market, so it would be worth targeting the right segment with the right offer.
“Sarawak possesses enormous natural resources. Coupled with China’s technology advancement, I believe there are many win-win ventures that we can leverage on.”
Also present at the concert were Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry permanent secretary Datu Ik Pahon Joyik, ConsulGeneral of the Republic of China in Kuching Fu Jijun, working
Sarawak possesses enormous natural resources. Coupled with China’s technology advancement, I believe there are many winwin ventures that we can leverage on. Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, Chief Minister
committee chairperson Amy Tnay, and working committee advisor from China, Wu Yong Qiang.
In his speech, Fu said that they were glad that ‘The Belt and Road’ initiative proposed by China’s President Xi Jinping to rejuvenate the spirit of the Silk Road, had received positive response from Malaysia, including Sarawak.
“The initiative adheres to the principle of joint consulting, joint building and joint sharing among the countries. With the concrete implementation, the initiative has injected new vitality into the mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Malaysia including Sarawak. I am pleased that the gala concert has fully embodied the spirit of the initiative for joint consulting, joint holding and joint sharing.”
The concert not only featured performers from both China and Malaysia, but also members of the audience comprising locals and China fans who flew in just to watch their favourite stars perform.
The event was co-managed by Beijing Aowei Group, DHGJ Travel & Tour, DHCP Media Sdn Bhd and Beijing Saisi Bowen Performers Agent Sdn Bhd.
“Their close collaboration in preparing this concert will not only add more festive happiness to Sarawak’s Chinese New Year Celebration, but also enhance their mutual understanding and friendship,” added Fu.