SIFMA 2025: Counting Down to a Global Soundscape in Kuching
Kuching, Sarawak to host SIFMA’s 6th edition of cultural celebration. Come and experience the sounds and arts of Borneo with SIFMA this December.
Kuching, Sarawak to host SIFMA’s 6th edition of cultural celebration. Come and experience the sounds and arts of Borneo with SIFMA this December.
With just days left before the stage lights rise, the world is turning its eyes toward Kuching, Sarawak — a city preparing to welcome musicians, dancers, educators, culture-makers, and festival-goers for the 2025 edition of SIFMA.
In its 6th edition, this year’s gathering promises a wider scope of participation, with delegations arriving from across Asia, and beyond, continuing SIFMA’s commitment to bridge artistic expression across borders.
As the city gears up, banners rise and rehearsals begin to echo through venues, anticipation is building for what is set to be one of the most diverse international showcases ever held in Malaysia’s East.
The Artists: A Final Reveal Before Curtains Lift
Below, Music Press Asia presents the final wave of artists and ensembles to be announced for SIFMA 2025.
Get ready to be inspired by the world-class artistry of Dr. Gonzalo Noel Villanueva Misa, a brilliant guitarist and dedicated academic from the Philippines！
Dr. Misa brings a profound blend of technical skill and academic excellence, holding a Doctor of Philosophy in Music, Major in Music Performance (Guitar). His talent has graced stages globally, where he has performed as a guest artist at prestigious events including the Saigon International Guitar Festival, Asia International Guitar Festival, Manila Guitar Fest, and the Silpakorn International Guitar Festival.
A prizewinner at the Singapore 11th International Guitar Festival and Competition (2013), he currently shares his knowledge as an instructor at Silliman University.
Since 1993, Dance Space has been a shining name in the Malaysian dance scene — nurturing generations of young dancers with passion, discipline, and artistry.
With a mission to inspire creativity and confidence through dance, Dance Space has grown into a vibrant community where students and teachers move together with heart, joy, and dedication. Guided by their core values of quality, growth, passion, joy, empathy, respect, and teamwork, they’ve become more than a school — they’re a family that lives and breathes dance.
This December, their talented dancers will grace the SIFMA 2025 stage, bringing their energy, grace, and artistry to an international audience.
Sinjo Yap is a remarkable Malaysian cellist currently training under Prof. István Várdai at the University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna. Admitted at only 12 years old, Sinjo made history as the youngest Malaysian ever accepted into this prestigious institution.
Her talent has earned international recognition as a prizewinner at the International David Geringas Cello Competition Klaipeda 2025, Southeast Asia Bach Competition 2025, Singapore Raffles Music Competition, Osaka International Music Competition, and many more.
Established in 2013, Suc Song Moi (“The New Vitality”) began as Vietnam’s only bamboo ensemble performing its own symphonically orchestrated repertoire. Their instruments were exclusively made by prominent bamboo music maestro, Dong Van Minh.
Since 2022, the ensemble has expanded into the Suc Song Moi Traditional Orchestra, incorporating a larger number of instruments from various ethnic groups across Vietnam’s three regions. Recent highlights include an invitation by the Japanese government to perform with the Vietnam-Japan Dream Symphony Orchestra, conductor by Dong Quang Vinh in October 2023.
They toured six cities in Japan to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Vietnam–Japan Diplomatic Relations. Suc Song Moi also frequently organizes non-profit and charity concerts in Vietnam.
The Viet Lotus Groups are a group of highly acclaimed artists who have performed in numerous international festivals, schools, and cultural centers across the globe. Their performance history includes stages in France, Japan, Germany, China, Malaysia, and many more.
Reginald Valenzuela Bernaldez holds a Bachelor of Music in Composition from Silliman University, is a founder of the international-touring ensemble Kwerdas, and has appeared on numerous international stages, including a solo guitarist contract with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. He is a seasoned music educator who previously served as the Head of Guitar Studies at International Music House in Kuching. Beyond his performing career, he is an innovator, managing an acoustics company and co-founding a fiberglass ukulele company.
Other performers at the sixth edition this December will also include the Ensemble Melayu Nusantara Trio (Malaysia), CSTAGE Dance Academy (Malaysia), ASK Dance Company (Malaysia), Nataraharja & Puspa Karima (Indonesia), and the Singapore Chinese Dance Theatre (Singapore).
This final roll call completes the global mosaic that will take over Kuching’s stages — featuring established maestros, young performers, traditional custodians, and contemporary hybrids who are shaping new cultural expressions. Their presence not only broadens SIFMA’s international footprint but also reinforces the importance of cross-cultural listening, learning, and exchange.
A Festival Powered by Partnership and Place
SIFMA would not be possible without a network of collaborators and cultural supporters, including the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak. Their shared commitment reflects a strong belief in the arts as a diplomatic bridge — one that connects countries, empowers the youth, and grows Malaysia’s creative identity.
Together with Kuching’s creative community and the people of Sarawak, this festival stands at the intersection of global cultural exchange and local pride. It is both a celebration and a statement: that art thrives where people gather to witness it.
8 Days to Go — Kuching Awaits
In just eight days, SIFMA will come to life — a convergence of voices, instruments, costumes, languages, and traditions. For those drawn to the music, this will be an impressive showcase of regional and international talent. And for those who simply need a reason to escape routine, let SIFMA be an invitation to experience Kuching itself — one of Borneo’s most welcoming cultural hubs, where food, art, history, and riverfront life move in harmony.
Whether you come for the music or the magic of the city, Kuching will be ready.
