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Rainforest World Music Festival A Shining Example On World Stage

Rainforest World Music Festival A Shining Example On World Stage

RAINFOREST WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL A SHINING EXAMPLE ON WORLD STAGE

Kuching, Tuesday – Sarawak Tourism Board’s Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) took centre stage at the Asian MICE Forum (AMF) in Taipei earlier this September, where the event was presented in the forum as a leading international music event in Asia.

The RWMF was presented by Ms. Mary Wan Mering, acting Chief Executive Officer of the Board, in a panel discussion entitled “Gamification in Destination Marketing”.

The panel discussed the pertinence of using game dynamics in events and shared insights on how their events became ‘world-famous’.

‘Gamification’ has become the keyword in event planning as of late, as traditional one-way events are being abandoned by event-goers who consider two-way or interactive events such as the RWMF far superior.

“In a sense, we were years before our time, as we’ve been placing interactivity and inclusion as the core of the RWMF since 1998”. Mary Wan highlighted during her presentation to the crowd of 700 industry members.

The gamification of events has become the new tactic of event organisers to create a deeper connection and a fonder memory in participants, instilling in them a sense of ownership over the event.

“By involving the crowds in workshops and tutorials, they are not just attending an event, they are becoming a part of that event, and in doing so that event becomes a part of their identity. They will always return.” Mary Wan explained.

The impact of an interactive event goes further than just customer satisfaction, as it has also aided the RWMF in its main objective, which is cultural art and music appreciation, conservation and revival.

The RWMF has been voted as one of the top 25 World Music Festivals by Songlines Magazine for six years in a row and has achieved various international events and public relations awards over the past 19 years.

Other events which shared the panel were Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival in Tainan, Taiwan, listed as the third largest folk celebration in the world; the regionally famous Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan; and the attractive Chartres Festival of Light in France.

“Our home-grown event sat on par with events in Taiwan, Japan and France. We came come a long way from humble beginnings. We are overjoyed to see the RWMF getting the recognition it deserves.” Mary Wan stressed.

The AMF is an established international platform for Meetings, Incentives, Conference and Exhibitions (MICE) experts to discuss their industry challenges and solutions, with over 6000 attendees to date over the past 10 years.

Organised by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) and commissioned by the Bureau of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Economic Affairs.

Photo shows Mary Wan Mering with other presenters at Asian MICE Forum.

Photo shows Mary Wan Mering with other presenters at Asian MICE Forum.

Issued by:

Communications Unit
SARAWAK TOURISM BOARD
T: +6 082-423600  F: +6 082-416700
E: [email protected]
Date: 20 September 2016

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Sarawak Tourism Board Focus On China Market

Sarawak Tourism Board Focus On China Market

BAODING, HEBEI PROVINCE, CHINA, Sunday – The Sarawak Tourism Board’s focus and strategy in tapping the China market has produced some results in the event of a Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Hebei Province on tourism collaborations and business exchange. This MOU provides opportunity for close cooperation, aggressive promotions and establishment of business exchange in tourism sector. This MOU is eyeing on further tourism research on attractions development as both destinations have similar tourism products such as mountains, geoparks, lake, rural and cultural tourism.

The Sarawak Tourism Board has been putting aggressive efforts in the China market to entice more arrivals in response to the State’s Economic Transformation Plan to focus on tourism sector as a major contributor towards achieving its target of 4.6% GDP.

The Signing of MOU will see immediate result in getting charter flights connecting Sarawak and Hebei Province to ease the movement of tourists from both destinations.

The Sarawak Tourism Board was also given the opportunity to share and exchange experiences with the Hebei tourism industry on how the State manages its national parks and mountain based tourism attractions. “This MOU will bring us to another level in getting us closer to attract more Chinese tourists. We must change some of our approaches in order to meet the expectation of the market as their expectation may differs from ours”. YB Datuk Lee commented after the signing ceremony.

The State through the Sarawak Tourism Board is invited to sign the Memorandum of Understanding in-conjunction with the First Conference of Hebei Tourism Industry Development held in Baoding, Hebei Province from 22nd to 26th September which was led by the Assistant Minister of Tourism Sarawak, YB Datuk Lee Kim Shin and accompanied by the Chairman of Sarawak Tourism Board and officers.

Sarawak Tourism Board’s Chairman YB Datuk Haji Abdul Wahab bin Aziz (third from left) and witnessed by the Assistant Minister of Tourism Sarawak YB Datuk Lee Kim Shin (fourth from left) after the Signing of Memorandum of Understanding ceremony.

Sarawak Tourism Board’s Chairman YB Datuk Haji Abdul Wahab bin Aziz (third from left) and witnessed by the Assistant Minister of Tourism Sarawak YB Datuk Lee Kim Shin (fourth from left) after the Signing of Memorandum of Understanding ceremony.

Issued by:
Communications Unit
SARAWAK TOURISM BOARD
T: +6 082-423600  F: +6 082-416700
E: [email protected]

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Malaysia Travel Guide

Survey | Touring Experience In Sarawak

Survey | Touring Experience In Sarawak

Dear Visitor of Sarawak,

The purpose of this survey is to understand your experience in Sarawak. It is a joint effort of the Institute of Borneo Studies, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (IBS, UNIMAS) and Sarawak Tourism Board (STB). It should take about 20 minutes to complete the survey and your contribution will be of great value to the research. Although the open-ended questions are optional, we hope that you would take the time to share with us your experience. All information will be kept as private and confidential. Only aggregate data would be analyzed and interpreted, and the findings are solely for research purpose. Upon completion, you will be asked to provide your preferred name and email address (optional), so that we can email an official certificate (sample below) to you to show our appreciation of your participation. Thank you for your willingness to participate.

Researchers:

Dr Hiram Ting ([email protected])
Mdm Mary Wan Mering ([email protected])

Survey link: http://bit.ly/SarawakExperienceSurvey

survey-2016

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Visiting Sarawak As A Japanese Intern | All Time Favorites Local Food

Visiting Sarawak As A Japanese Intern | All Time Favorites Local Food

Throughout my stay as an intern in Sarawak, I have enjoyed various Local dishes.  Here are some of my all time favorites!

Manok Pansoh – Bamboo chicken

This is one of the famous traditional dish, it is well known to all ethnic groups in Sarawak. “Manok” means chicken in the Iban language, while “Pansoh” means something cooked in bamboo.  What is so special about this dish? Well, besides the delighting aroma the bamboo releases from the heat, the bamboo also gives the chicken is soft and tender texture.  This dish is usually eaten with plain rice.

Ayamはチキン、Pansohは竹の中で調理をすることを意味しています!イバン民族が伝統とするこの調理方法は、サラワク州の方々には大人気!竹の中で焼くことによって、ショウガやニンニクの香りがひきたち、食感も柔らかくなります!ビールとの相性も抜群です!!

japanese-intern-ayam-pansoh

Kolo Mee

Kolo Mee is a well-known dish for its simplicity and relatively cheap pricing. Each dish would cost around 3-5RM depending on the extra topping of prawn and fish. Kolo-Mee consists of BBQ pork, minced pork, fish balls, and a sprinkle of garlic on top. The mixture of chili vinegar sauce and the boiled noodle gives an addictive flavor into the dish. The dish can be considered as an all-time favorite for locals in and can be seen in every corner of Sarawak, especially in Kuching.

チャーシューやそぼろが入っており、この料理は何といっても日本人の口には絶対に合う料理だと思います。 中華の文化的影響を受けた料理でお箸と蓮華を使って食べるのが一般的です。

japanese-intern-kolo-mee

Sarawak Laksa

A must try for visitors to Sarawak. Sarawak Laksa normally uses beehoon noodles and the a shrimp based soup with more than 30 spices being involved. Sounds spicy? Well don’t worry because the soup is thickened with coconut milk mellowing the spiciness of each bite. It is recommended for breakfast.

For additional spices, if it is too spicy, use the lime to ease up the spice. If not spicy enough then add the spice paste for the tingle on your tongue.

サラワクといえばこの料理、サラワク・ラクサです!ラクサ自体は何種類もあり、地域によって味が異なりますが、サラワク・ラクサはサラワク州でしか食べられない絶品グルメです!
スパイシーなココナッツミルクベースのスープが癖になって何杯でも食べられます!
値段はなんと4-5RM (120-150円)!
ローカルフードの中でも大人気の一品です!

japanese-intern-laksa

Midin

Midin is a type of jungle ferns that can be found in tropical jungles like Sarawak.  Midin is a familiar vegetable dish served in restaurants here.  It is usually stir-fried with shrimp paste, garlic or anchovies for an astonishing taste.  A great side-dish that can compliment other dishes, most commonly with seafood.

マレーシアではよく見かけるこの野菜はミディンという名物です!見た目はワラビのようなのですが、柔らかく粘りのある日本ではあまり経験のできないような食感です!

サラワクでしか取れない山菜の一種でオイスターソースやガーリックなど調理方法は様々です!

japanese-intern-midin8

Kek Lapis

Kek Lapis, also known as Kueh Lapis is a light, layered cake available in various flavors.  This traditional cake can be seen in religious or cultural celebrations along with other local food. Outside of celebration days, it is commonly served during coffee breaks and tea times.

マレー語でKekはケーキのこと、Lapisとは層のことです。インドネシア発祥のこのレイヤーケーキはカステラとバームクーヘンを合わせたようなデザートです!

生地が何層にも重なっていることでレイヤーケーキと呼ばれています!サラワク州ではコーヒーと一緒に食べる大人気スイーツ!

値段はひとつ10RMほどです!是非、豊富なフレーバーを是非楽しんでください!

Written by: Kenta Kojima

japanese-intern-kek-lapis

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20th Rainforest World Music Festival Comes To WOMEX 2016

20th Rainforest World Music Festival Comes To WOMEX 2016

SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA, SPAIN, Thursday – Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) is presenting the 20th installment of its annual event, the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) in World Music Expo (WOMEX) in Santiago de Compostela, Spain from October 20-23.

The RWMF will be celebrating its 20th edition next year at the Sarawak Cultural Village in Damai, on the 14-16 July, with plans on making the Festival celebration bigger than ever.

With the interactive afternoon workshops, the audience has the opportunity to learn, understand and play the indigenous musical instruments from the performers during the day and later on witness and appreciate its beauty during the nightly performances.

As a supporter of all ethnic arts, including the culinary arts, festival-goers are able to taste a variety of local and fusion cuisine from the Village Food Mart.

They will also be able to buy local beaded, woven, painted or carved handicrafts or witness their creation, or even get a traditional hand-tap tattoo at the nearby Tattoo Expo.

The festival, one of its kind in the region, has attracted over 20,000 returning foreign and domestic attendees and has been awarded Songlines’ Top 25 Best International Festivals award six years in a row since 2010.

Datuk Haji Abdul Wahab Bin Aziz, Chairman of Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) said, “We want to stage the uniqueness of world music by bringing in performers from other parts of the world and also to showcase our own ethnic music and to provide them with an opportunity to perform amidst international bands.”

“More innovative ideas are already in the works for our coming 20th Rainforest World Music Festival next year.” said Angelina Bateman, Director of Events Corporate Relations of Sarawak Tourism Board (STB).

While the performance plans remain a surprise, the Board’s efforts in publicizing the Festival are not, with promotions happening at various tourism and travel trade fairs around the world such as ITB Asia in Singapore, World Travel Mart in London, Taipei International Travel Fair in Taiwan and the Asian MICE Forum in Taiwan.

The Festival encourages the appreciation of ethnic art and music from around the world, as well as new interpretations and integration of those arts within modern expression, and it is now brining these values to the world stage.

Updates on the Festival as well as tickets can be found online at the Rainforest World Music Festival official website, www.rwmf.net.

This event is supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Sarawak (MTAC) and endorsed by Tourism Malaysia with Malaysia Airlines Berhad as the presenting sponsor.

rwmf2017-womex

Picture shows Barbara Benjamin Atan of Sarawak Tourism Board (left) with Jo Frost, the Editor of Songlines Magazine UK and Jun Lin (right), Artistic Director of RWMF.

Issued by:

Communications Unit
SARAWAK TOURISM BOARD
T: +6 082-423600  F: +6 082-416700 M: +6019-8188946
E: [email protected]

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