Tawau International Cultural Festival set for grand 10th edition

KOTA KINABALU (June 12): The 10th edition of the Tawau International Cultural Festival (FKAT) which marks a decade of celebration on August 2, is expected to be even more vibrant.

Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan, said the now 10-year-old festival will be officiated by Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman.

“Today, together with the Tawau Municipal Council President, we formally invite His Excellency Tun to launch the Tawau International Cultural Festival, which will be held on August 2, 2025 in Tawau.

“As we all know, this festival is part of the legacy brought by His Excellency Tun during his tenure as Sabah Chief Minister, when the event was first held in 2011.

“The people of Tawau are honored to invite Tun to officiate this year’s festival, which will also be attended by the Chief Minister of Sabah,” he said.

According to Nizam, the annual festival has always received an enthusiastic response, attracting 50,000 visitors and boosting Tawau’s local economy.

“Each year, no fewer than 50,000 visitors come to Tawau to witness the highlight — the cultural performances, including parades showcasing diverse ethnicities and cultures.

“FKAT is a much-anticipated annual event, not just by locals but also neighboring countries like Indonesia, the Philippines, and other ASEAN nations that participate in the cultural showcases.

“Sabah itself is rich in ethnic diversity, and this festival serves as a platform to promote Tawau as a melting pot of cultures from Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Brunei.

“I understand that participation is being arranged, and I am confident that, as in previous years, there will be involvement not only from within the state but also from abroad — Indonesia, Brunei, the Philippines, Thailand, and even Middle Eastern countries sometimes join.

“This will undoubtedly boost the economy, promote Tawau, and unite people of diverse races and religions under one nation, particularly in Tawau,” he told the media after paying a courtesy visit to Tun Musa Aman at Istana Seri Kinabalu today.

Tawau Municipal Council President Joseph Pang shared that the 10th FKAT will highlight themes of marriage traditions, warrior heritage and handicrafts.

“Our concept evolves each year; this time, we will feature elements of wedding customs, warrior culture and traditional crafts.”

“About 30 ethnic groups will perform, with 10 showcasing wedding traditions, 10 focusing on warrior elements, and 10 presenting handicrafts,” he explained.