Iskarnival is back, bigger and better
DEVELOPER of Iskandar Malaysia, Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB), master developer of Iskandar Puteri UEM Sunrise Berhad (UEM Sunrise) and Khazanah Nasional Berhad are bringing back Iskarnival for its sixth consecutive year during the school holidays.
This family-friendly carnival offers exciting new activities to delight and entertain visitors of all ages.
This year marks a double celebration – the sixth anniversary of Iskarnival, as well as the bestowing of city status on the Johor Baru Central Municipal Council (MPJBT).
From Nov 22, the council will be known as the Iskandar Puteri City Council or Majlis Bandaraya Iskandar Puteri (MBIP).
As one of the most anticipated public festivals in Johor, Iskarnival aims to bring people from across the state to come together through family-friendly entertainment and fun-filled activities as well as to promote Iskandar Puteri as a trendy place to visit and live.
Iskarnival 2017 comprises two distinct events – Iskarnival Kool, led by UEM Sunrise, which will highlight Malaysian pop culture, arts and music, and Iskarnival Aktif, spearheaded by IIB to promote sports and outdoor recreation.
Iskarnival Kool takes place on Nov 25 and 26 at Puteri Harbour from noon–11pm while Iskarnival Aktif will be held on Dec 2 and 3, from 8am–10pm at the EduCity Sports Complex. Entrance is free.
Iskarnival Kool
Iskarnival Kool celebrates Iskandar Puteri as a hub for innovation and creativity while recognising the trends and successes in Malaysian lifestyle and culture.
Over 848 local talents from across Malaysia – 40% of whom are Johoreans – are expected to attend the event.
The stage is set for movers and shakers from various industries, including music, visual arts, food and beverage, technology, heritage, human resources and environmental preservation, to showcase and share ideas on positive living and community empowerment.
Visitors will be entertained by a line-up of artistes including Los Angeles-based internationallyacclaimed singer-songwriter Yuna and local songstress Sheila Majid.
Some of the bands confirmed include Johorean ska-punk outfit Plague of Happiness, contemporary Chinese rockers Mad August, Indonesian group sensation Kelompok Penerbang Roket and more.
Live performances include a tri-nation poetry slam competition, contemporary and traditional performances.
These will be accompanied by outdoor activities such as fly-boarding, giant board games and a “Mini Spartan Race”.
On the culinary side, gourmet food bazaar Taste of Tiffin on the Puteri Harbour promenade will also host top food vendors from around the country and hold free workshops and sharing sessions.
Vintage collectibles and rare knick-knacks from Johor Pickers will also be on display, a creative tech showcase and market from Johor Startup, and a collection of gifts and souvenirs from Johorean vendors.
Three unique exhibitions will run throughout the festival.
Johor resident Tan Buck Khim will present an imaginative display of recycled artwork made of used cans, bottles and other household items.
Photo exhibition Grit & Grace will feature works of acclaimed Malaysian photographer SC Shekhar for the first time since its well-received run in Kuala Lumpur.
Also, climate awareness campaign by the Sultan Mizan Antarctica Research Foundation Messages from Antarctica will transport 49 penguin sculptures to Puteri Harbour, to highlight and contextualise global warming for Malaysian audiences.
Iskarnival Aktif
Iskarnival Aktif will focus on promoting active and healthy lifestyles through sports and fitness.
This part of the carnival is targeted at all age groups, with a variety of activities designed to inspire visitors to exercise and keep fit while having fun.
Iskarnival Aktif will kick off the festivities with the Iskarnival Aktif Hunt 2017 on its first day, followed by an action-packed weekend of competitions, showcases and live performances.
Those with a competitive spirit can look forward to the Iskandar Puteri Sevens Rugby Tournament.
Competing are 24 teams who will scrum and tackle for four trophies as the grand prize during the Iskandar Puteri Sevens Cup. There will also be a veteran’s division with four competing teams.
Additionally, a Dropkick Challenge will be held for the public with merchandise for the participants.
There is also a line-up of adrenaline-charged events including Iskarnival K1 and MMA International, which features fighters from United States, Algeria, England and Palestine, wall climbing, reverse bungee jumping, skateboarding and archery tag.
Younger visitors may be keen to join swimming and scuba diving classes offered by EZY Swim Academy. Additional sports line-up may even include futsal and an e-sports competition.
There will also be a motorcycle workshop featuring informative talks, stunt performances and a drone clinic.
Other highlights include an outdoor screening of the award-winning film Ola Bola, and various performances.
The Iskarnival Strongman Challenge will also test participants in strength-based activities.
Fun and games aside, visitors will be entertained with Concert Aktif featuring local artistes such as Zainal Abidin, Joe Flizzow and Alleycats.
For more on Iskarnival 2017, go to www.iskarnival.com, www.facebook.com/Iskarnival IskandarMalaysia and Instagram at Iskarnival.