Sabah Fest Extravaganza Unites Communities Through Culture

27 September 2025

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s vibrant cultural heritage took centre stage this evening as Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew launched the Sabah Fest Extravaganza at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) Open Plaza, calling on all communities to embrace unity through culture and proudly share Sabah’s traditions with the world.

With the theme “Unity in Diversity, Culture Unites Us,” this year’s festival showcased the rich tapestry of Sabah’s ethnic dances and performances. Over the past four weeks, the celebration has travelled across iconic venues – from Gaya Street to Imago Shopping Mall, Kota Kinabalu International Airport and Suria Sabah – before culminating in a spectacular finale at SICC.

Although anchored in Kota Kinabalu, the festivities reached audiences across Sabah and beyond through live broadcasts on TV Sabah, the Sabah Tourism Board and HelloSabah’s digital platforms.

“Sabah Fest is more than just an event. It is the stage where our rich and mesmerising cultures shine,” Liew said, adding that the state remains committed to introducing new features each year to highlight the uniqueness of Sabah’s diverse heritage.

She encouraged visitors and locals alike to capture and share the performances with pride, underscoring that promoting and preserving cultural heritage is not the responsibility of a few, but a collective mission.

“Culture is the glue that ties us all together,” she said. “Preserving our treasured heritage is a collective responsibility. Together, let us continue to showcase the very best of Sabah to the world.”

The evening closed with a dazzling showcase by the Sabah Cultural Board, featuring colourful dances and rhythms from across the state, a celebration of harmony in diversity that captured the true spirit of Sabah.