Ik Pahon (second right) and Ilango on his right and other guests visiting the stalls at the Sarawak Week Promotion campaign.
SINGAPORE:The Sarawak Week in Singapore campaign was officially launched at Plaza Singapura Friday evening with the beat of music from the rainforest amidst the busy traffic along the famed Orchard Road.
Attracting curiosity from
nearby office workers on their evening rush and shoppers for their early weekend bargains, the launch attracted curious crowds and guests comprising partners from Singapore’s travel and hospitality industry and the media.
The Bung Bratak cultural troupe presented a medley of Sarawak traditional dances on stage while At Adau rendered their talents on repertoire of traditional Sape music.
Officiating at the lunch was permanent secretary to the Ministry of Tourism, Datu Ik Pahon Joyik, who is also chief executive officer of Sarawak Tourism Board on behalf of Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Malaysia’s High Commissioner to Singapore Dato’ Ilango Karuppannan was also present.
Ik Pahon said Singaporean were now offered better choices to be able to immerse in native cultures and to see and understand the ways of live of Sarawakians with Kuching just a 90 minute-flight away from home.
He said the special promotional campaign mounted by the STB, ‘Lets adventure in Sarawak’, featured learning and experimental packages and looking closer at the local native lifestyle including their traditional cuisine, song and dances, and their daily chores.
For the older folk, he said, the package was a kind of reminiscence of their old days of living in villages a quaint living style compared to their hectic living in high rise condominium.
He also extended invitation to the younger segments to explore the untouched paradise of the rainforest, national parks and wildlife under the ‘lets explore’ programme.
The 10-day promotion, starting Friday evening is a targeted marketing campaign in Singapore aimed at creating greater awareness and interest in Sarawak.
Daily cultural shows are being staged, with handicraft demonstration, food sampling and traditional games stalls featured to attract Singaporeans and the local expatriate community.