MIRI: The inaugural Indigenous Exchange Festival (IXF) 2025, curated by The Tuyang Initiative and The Culture Capital, officially unveiled its line-up and aspirations at a press conference held at alter/space Gallery and Studio.
Co-curators, Juvita Tatan Wan from The Tuyang Initiative and Poh Leong, Koh from The Culture Capital, shared insights into the vision, challenges, and community-driven spirit of the festival, which will be held from Sept 12-14 this year.
IXF marks a bold step forward in championing indigenous voices and cultural expression in Sarawak.
From the outset, IXF was envisioned not as another entertainment-driven event, but as a living space where communities themselves shape the stories, conversations, and exchanges that matter most to them.
On shaping the festival in its early years, the curators noted, “As the first edition, IXF marks the beginning of a journey. Every new beginning comes with its share of challenges, but the only way forward is to keep moving, together.
This festival belongs to the people - a space where communities come together and help shape what IXF will grow to become.”
As a home-grown Sarawak festival, IXF extends an open invitation for individuals, communities, and organizations to participate, be it through sharing stories & expertise, showcasing a piece of your heritage, bringing an heirloom dish, lending a voice as a speaker, or simply being present at a festival shaped not by spectacle, but by the spirit of collaboration and the resilience of indigenous culture.
The festival also welcomes support from private donors, service and technical providers, and anyone who wants to actively play a role in offsetting unavoidable expenses in organising a gathering at this scale.
By rooting the festival in community spirit, IXF sets the stage for growth, ensuring that Sarawak’s indigenous heritage is celebrated, sustained, and passed forward for years to come.
Festival Highlights
This year’s IXF will feature 37 confirmed speakers over 3 days from Taiwan, Indonesia, Brunei, and Malaysia (including Sarawak, Sabah, and West Malaysia). Their participation reflects the diversity and depth of indigenous voices across the region.
The press conference also welcomed the presence of YB Datuk Sebastian Ting, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, who praised the initiative, “IXF is a great initiative to spark valuable and insightful conversation to promote and preserve indigenous communities and let it be a Sarawak, home-grown, global festival that will continuously grow for years to come.”
Partners
IXF 2025 presented by The Tuyang Initiative and The Culture Capital, is made even more possible with the support of Business Events Sarawak, Official Hotel Partner Mercure Hotel City Centre and Sustainability Partner Cuckoo, with media partners Kupi Kupi FM and BIG Magazine.
This event is endorsed by Miri City Council and co-supported by Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak.
