By Sofia Nasir
SHAH ALAM, Sept 8:— The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) was entrusted with representing the country and organising the First Asia Pacific Youth Folklore Festival. The event is set to run from Sept 21 to 26.
The city council said the Youth Folklore Festival will be organised in collaboration with the Malaysian International Council of Festivals and Folk Arts Organisations and will be held at Pusat Bandar Seksyen 52 in Petaling Jaya.
“In 2015, the State Government declared Petaling Jaya ‘City of Arts’ in line with the Petaling Jaya City Council’s continuous commitment to promoting art and culture .
“Petaling Jaya is an international tourist destination for its diverse arts and culture scene, especially in the wake of the previous Petaling Jaya International Folk Art Festival.” The city council said.
A total of seven types of events have been organised to run over the five-day festival, including international cultural performances, exhibitions and art conferences.
Visitors to the event will also have the opportunity to participate in career seminars, round table discussions, dance competitions and the highlight event, a concert and fireworks display.
The countries that will be participating in the festival. include China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, Iran, Palestine, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka and a host of international art colleges.
Several celebrities and national art doyens are also expected to attend the event, The distinguished guest list includes actor and lecturer Dr Norzizi Zulkifli, composer Azmeer and Datuk Prof Razak Mohaideen.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari and Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing are expected to officiate at the opening ceremony of the festival.
