BAF 2025 SHOWCASES BORNEO'S UNIQUE ARTS, SPIRIT OF UNITY - DPM FADILLAH

LABUAN, Nov 16 (Bernama) -- The Borneo Arts Festival (BAF) 2025 not only showcases the uniqueness of Borneo’s arts, but also the spirit of unity that exists among the multicultural society of Malaysia, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said.

This year’s festival, with the theme “Warisan Seni Borneo: Jalinan Seni dan Cahaya” reflects the synergy between tradition and innovation, heritage and modernity, and symbolised the aspiration of the communities in Borneo that were able to retain their cultural identity while adapting to progress.

“This is where we see how creativity can unite the diverse cultures in the spirit of Malaysia MADANI,” he said at the close of the festival at the Labuan International Marine Sports Complex here tonight.

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He stressed that arts and culture were vital to form a harmonious culture and could unite communities and shape social strength to form a more inclusive society with integrity.

“Through arts, we learn to appreciate differences as strengths, not weaknesses. Cultural diversity is spiritual wealth and should continue to be strengthened,” he said.

Fadillah also stressed Labuan’s role as a hub for arts, culture and creative economy, pointing out that the economic spillover of the festival would bring huge benefits to businesses and creative entrepreneurs.

“BAF is an important catalyst in making Labuan a high-impact events centre. It opens up new opportunities to youth and the local arts scene, in line with the government’s aim of improving the creative economy and cultural tourism sectors,” he said.

This effort would support efforts to prepare for Visit Malaysia 2026, with arts and heritage being major components in attracting tourists, he added.

-- BERNAMA