Labuan Gears Up For Borneo Arts Festival, Remembrance Day 

LABUAN, July 31 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's international business and finance centre (IBFC) of Labuan is preparing to host two major events, namely the Borneo Arts Festival (BAF) in September and Remembrance Day in November, to boost Labuan's tourism sector. 

Labuan Corporation (LC) chief executive officer Rithuan Ismail said these events are expected to attract almost 10,000 visitors to the island.

"We are now doing pre-promotions for these events, with the BAF scheduled from Sept 27 to 29, and the Remembrance Day on Nov 11,” he told Bernama today.

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"This arts festival never fails to bring an influx of visitors into Labuan. This year, we look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors for these two events.”

Rithuan said the BAF would showcase talents from the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). 

Rithuan said the festival aims to celebrate local art talents, of all ages and cultures, providing a unique opportunity to experience native Borneo music, dance and artwork.

"This arts festival also provides a platform for arts and cultural-related associations, school-going children, and academic institutions to display their talents in the arts, and in cultural choreography and 'busana' designs," he said.

Among the highlights of the BAF are the Borneo Creative Dance, Battle of Dance (Pertandingan Tingkah Geruh), and Contemporary National Costume Fashion Design Competition (RFKN).

Following the arts festival, Rithuan said Labuan would then host Remembrance Day, a solemn event dedicated to the 3,908 fallen members of the armed forces who died during World War Two.

"We will see civilians, families, relatives, historians, and military veterans attending the event to honour the fallen heroes of World War Two," Rithuan also said.

He added that LC is responsible for coordinating and facilitating the smooth running of these events, emphasising LC's commitment to ensuring both events will be memorable experiences for attendees and will contribute positively to the island's tourism and cultural landscape.

-- BERNAMA