KUCHING, Aug 4: With Malaysian Ling Ling making waves as a new member of K-Pop group Kiiras, Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng believes it is time to nurture the next K-Pop talent, right here in Kuching.
“Just recently, we saw one of our own, a fellow Malaysian, Ling Ling debuting as a member of the K-Pop group Kiiras. That alone shows the world that Malaysia can produce K-Pop stars too. So why not start nurturing that potential here in Kuching?” he said.
Wee made these remarks in his welcoming speech at the K-Stage: K-Pop Cover Dance Challenge, Kuching Festival’s inaugural K-Pop Dance Cover Competition, held at the MBKS Theatre here tonight.
He said the competition is more than just about dancing. It is a platform to showcase talent, build confidence, and bring young people together in a spirit of friendly competition and cultural celebration.
“There’s no denying that K-Pop has taken the world by storm over the past decade. Names like Blackpink, Aespa, BTS, EXO, Stray Kids, IVE.
“I must admit, I first heard these names from my nieces and nephews. And quite amusingly, I even overheard some of my MBKS staff talking about their favourite groups during tea break. That’s when it hit me, K-Pop is more than just music. It’s a form of youth expression, global culture, and a driving force of creativity,” he shared.
Wee emphasised that MBKS introduced the K-Stage 2025 competition with one clear goal in mind: inclusivity.
“This year marks the first time MBKS is introducing a K-Pop Dance Cover Competition, and we’re doing this with one aim in mind, inclusivity.
“At MBKS, we hold firmly to the principle that no one is left behind. Every programme we organise must serve every element of society from the young to the old, from art lovers to tech enthusiasts, from fitness buffs to now, fans of the K-Pop wave,” he said.
The event was officiated by Sarawak Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Wee expressed MBKS’s deepest appreciation to Dr Sim for his continued support of council initiatives that bring communities together in creative and meaningful ways.
“To all our young performers tonight, shine bright, own the stage, and have fun. This is your moment. And to the audience, get ready for a night full of energy, passion, and jaw-dropping performances,” he said.
Wee made these remarks in his welcoming speech at the K-Stage: K-Pop Cover Dance Challenge, Kuching Festival’s inaugural K-Pop Dance Cover Competition, held at the MBKS Theatre here tonight.
He said the competition is more than just about dancing. It is a platform to showcase talent, build confidence, and bring young people together in a spirit of friendly competition and cultural celebration.
“There’s no denying that K-Pop has taken the world by storm over the past decade. Names like Blackpink, Aespa, BTS, EXO, Stray Kids, IVE.
“I must admit, I first heard these names from my nieces and nephews. And quite amusingly, I even overheard some of my MBKS staff talking about their favourite groups during tea break. That’s when it hit me, K-Pop is more than just music. It’s a form of youth expression, global culture, and a driving force of creativity,” he shared.
Wee emphasised that MBKS introduced the K-Stage 2025 competition with one clear goal in mind: inclusivity.
“This year marks the first time MBKS is introducing a K-Pop Dance Cover Competition, and we’re doing this with one aim in mind, inclusivity.
“At MBKS, we hold firmly to the principle that no one is left behind. Every programme we organise must serve every element of society from the young to the old, from art lovers to tech enthusiasts, from fitness buffs to now, fans of the K-Pop wave,” he said.
The event was officiated by Sarawak Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Wee expressed MBKS’s deepest appreciation to Dr Sim for his continued support of council initiatives that bring communities together in creative and meaningful ways.
“To all our young performers tonight, shine bright, own the stage, and have fun. This is your moment. And to the audience, get ready for a night full of energy, passion, and jaw-dropping performances,” he said.