Nanyang Wushu fest seen as a cultural attraction

THE 19th Nanyang Wushu Festival in Kuching is expected to attract more visitors to Sarawak.

“We have been working with the Nanyang Wushu Federation of Sarawak for 10 years and we find that the festival not only promotes cultural values but Sarawak as well,” said Sports Toto Malaysia communications manager Emily Tan during a cheque-presentation ceremony in Kuching yesterday.

Nanyang Wushu Federation of Sarawak chairman Professor Dr Song Swee Hee said the World Hall of Fame Conference during the festival had the potential to be a cultural attraction for Sarawak.

“We are thankful for the state’s support and hope the festival will be included in the Sarawak Tourism calendar. It has already attracted exponents from Taiwan, Australia, the United States, Canada and Singapore and more will come,” he said.

Sports Toto Malaysia contributed RM20,000 to the federation as part of its corporate social responsibility and aims to be more diversified in charity work.

“We want to broaden our scope by nurturing the growth of sports and culture as well as help the less fortunate.”

The festival from Aug 5 to 7 will be packed with activities such as the Nanyang Wushu Golden Dragon and Lion Dance Festival, Chinese New Year Festival Show and Drum Festival.

Among the important events during the festival is the 7th World Hall of Fame Conference 2010 themed Giving Due Recognition and Honour to Outstanding Martial Arts.

The festival’s highlight will be the 8th Malaysia Sarawak International Nanyang Wushu Kung-Fu, Dragon and Lion Dance Festival, the World Martial Arts Top Level Celebrities Demonstration Match and the World Hall of Fame Seminar to be held at Crown Tower in Jalan Pending.

The official opening will be done by MBKS mayor James Chan on Aug 5 while the grand finale, the World Hall of Fame Awards Banquet, will be officiated by Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan on Aug 7.