Deputy Premier wants cosplay champions to become faces of Kuching Festival

By Amanda L

KUCHING, July 26: The Kuching Festival Cosplay Competition has given Sarawak’s young talents a platform to showcase their creativity before an estimated 1.3 million visitors, with Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian calling for future winners to be featured on official festival promotional materials.

Speaking at the second edition of the competition held in conjunction with the Kuching Festival 2026, Dr Sim said the month-long festival offers participants exposure that goes far beyond the RM6,300 prize pool.

He noted that about 100,000 visitors had passed through the festival grounds during the first two nights alone with attendance expected to reach 1.3 million by the end of the annual event.

“You are not only a star. With 1.3 million people seeing you, you become a superstar,” he told the 59 contestants competing in the Coswalk and Solo Skit categories held here on Saturday (July 25).

To further recognise their achievements, Dr Sim proposed that future champions be featured on official Kuching Festival promotional posters so festival-goers could identify and celebrate local cosplay talents.

“That is more than money. That’s promotion,” he said, adding that such exposure would be invaluable for aspiring cosplayers.

Describing cosplay as a healthy hobby and a form of performing art, Dr Sim said participants invest significant time and effort into crafting detailed costumes, accessories and character portrayals inspired by anime, manga, films, video games and comic books.

He said the competition demonstrated that Sarawak’s youths possess creativity and imagination while providing them with an official platform to showcase their talents.

Dr Sim also praised the cosplay community for fostering unity among Sarawakians, saying participants from different ethnic backgrounds came together through their shared passion.

He said the official recognition accorded to the event also opens opportunities for outstanding participants to represent Sarawak at international events through Kuching South City Council’s network of friendship cities.

Earlier, Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the competition, one of the programmes under the Kuching Festival, aims to encourage creativity, imagination and self-confidence among young people.

He said this year’s competition attracted 59 participants across the Coswalk and Solo Skit categories, each showcasing months of preparation and dedication through their costumes and performances.

“Cosplay is more than wearing a costume. It is about creativity, imagination and the confidence to express yourself. It allows young people to showcase their talents, build friendships, and inspire one another through art and performance,” he said.

Wee added that the Kuching Festival serves not only as a food and entertainment attraction but also as a platform to nurture talent, encourage creativity and bring people from different backgrounds together. — DayakDaily

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