Eastern Sarawak State to Host Inaugural Borneo World Music Expo

KUCHING (Sarawak, Malaysia) June 17 (Bernama) -- Eastern state of Sarawak is set to add another international-level music event to its impressive current repertoire when it hosts the inaugural Borneo World Music Expo (BWME) from June 24 to 26. Angelina Bateman, Corporate Communications director of event organiser Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), said the expo expects delegates from all over the Asian region, including 20 international world music programmers who would share their skills in conference sessions informally and in specially-designed one-on-one encounters. "These are the professionals chosen for their interest in the history of booking artistes from all over the world to appear at their festivals and venues throughout Asia, Europe, North America and elsewhere," she said on Monday. Bateman said participants from the world music industry were encouraged to participate in this 'first of its kind' exposition in the region, which would be open for all professionals within the music field wishing to increase their contacts, pick up new skills and exchange ideas in dynamic conference sessions. The expo also welcomes those who would like to present their wares, products or music. Meanwhile, Bateman was optimistic that with the appointment of Gerald Seligman, former general director of WOMEX (the largest World Music Expo) as consultant for BWME, Sarawak would be well positioned as a destination for art, culture and music. Seligman is the president of Caravan Arts Consultancy as well as an international music industry professional with over 25 years of experience in both major and independent music and music event companies throughout the world. "We are glad that the renowned Seligman has come on board to lend his expertise to this expo," Bateman said. Until November 2009, Seligman was WOMEX general director and also founded and ran EMI Hemisphere, the company's premier world music label. He was head of EMI's international sector for strategic marketing and has produced or compiled over 100 releases, including one with a Grammy nomination. "The Borneo World Music Expo is a new initiative organised by STB to coinicide with the already successful Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF)," Bateman said. The expo will also integrate a trade fair, musical showcases, conferences, exhibitions and networking sessions to promote culture and music. -- BERNAMA