BAF 2025 showcases Borneo’s unique arts and spirit of unity, with DPM Fadillah highlighting its role in cultural tourism and creative economy development.
LABUAN: The Borneo Arts Festival (BAF) 2025 showcases both the uniqueness of Borneo’s arts and the spirit of unity among Malaysia’s multicultural society, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said.
This year’s festival, themed “Warisan Seni Borneo: Jalinan Seni dan Cahaya,” reflects the synergy between tradition and innovation while symbolising Borneo communities’ ability to retain 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 festival’s closing ceremony at the Labuan International Marine Sports Complex.
He stressed that arts and culture are vital for forming harmonious communities and shaping social strength to create a more inclusive society with integrity.
“Through arts, we learn to appreciate differences as strengths, not weaknesses,” he emphasised, adding that cultural diversity represents spiritual wealth that should continue to be strengthened.
Fadillah also highlighted Labuan’s role as a hub for arts, culture and creative economy, noting the festival’s economic spillover would benefit businesses and creative entrepreneurs.
“BAF is an important catalyst in making Labuan a high-impact events centre,” he said, adding that it opens opportunities for youth and the local arts scene.
The festival supports government efforts to improve the creative economy and cultural tourism sectors while preparing for Visit Malaysia 2026, with arts and heritage being major tourist attractions. – Bernama
