KOTA KINABALU: The Echoes of Asean Bronze programme strives to provide a platform that connects Sabah and Asean member countries through music and culture.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the 9th cultural, artistic and musical event, held in conjunction with the Rhythms of Kinabalu (ROK) 2023, brought together 10 countries from the region.
Since 2012, the yearly festival has played a key role in fuelling and promoting the arts of music and culture, as well as the traditional arts of diverse ethnicities in Sabah.
“Among other things, the purpose of organising this event is to promote and elevate the uniqueness of the local arts and culture, thus dignifying and preserving Sabah’s cultural and ethnic heritage,” he added.
In addition to being the best platform for local artists to showcase the best local or ethnic songs, the programme also brings the community closer together through art and cultural activities, he said.
He also emphasised that the State Government always fully supports the efforts of Asean member countries in the effort to dignify art, culture and music festivals as an identity and encourage culture to respect history, culture, art, customs and values and support Asean cultural diversity.
Hajiji said this when officiating at the ROK 2023 Programme and The Echoes of Asean Bronze at Lintasan Deasoka.
His speech was read by State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew. Hajiji said the effort involved is also an interesting testimony about how cultural exchange between Asean countries can have a positive impact on the local community in mobilising support for culture and creative industries as well as the potential to boost productivity, consumption and employment.
For the record, Sabah has over 30 ethnic groups with 217 sub-ethnic groups. The State has been dubbed the world’s top diving destination several times with over 400 islands to explore.
Source : Daily Express