By: Zaki Salleh
IPOH: The Victoria Institution (VI) Marching Band from Kuala Lumpur emerged as the overall champion of the Field Marching Competition at the Malaysia International Marching Arts Championships (MIMAC) 2024, held at Ipoh Stadium.
Adding to their success, VI also clinched the Seniors category title, surpassing Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan (SMJK) Nan Hwa from Sitiawan, which secured the second place.
Third place was claimed by the marching band from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam.
In the Juniors category, Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Sri Adika Raja from Gerik took the top spot, followed by SK St. Anthony from Teluk Intan in second place, while SK Temenggong Abd Rahman 1 from Johor Bahru finished third.
MIMAC 2024 was held in Ipoh for the first time, featuring participation from over 30 school marching bands across the country, including teams from Indonesia, China, and Sri Lanka.
Earlier, the opening ceremony was officiated by the Mayor of Ipoh, Dato’ Rumaizi Baharin, with the presence of MIMAC Organizing Chairman, Datuk Mohd Odzman.
Also in attendance were the CEO of Tourism Perak, Nurmalis Musa, and Ipoh City Council (MBI) member, who is also the Chairman of the MBI Subcommittee on Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Heritage, Clr. Dato’ Ahmad Hariri bin Kamarudin.
The judging panel for MIMAC 2024 featured renowned figures in the field, including Dana Difilippantonio representing both the United States and Vietnam; Shiho Kondo from Japan; and Pirun Jehwong from Thailand.
Judging criteria covered various aspects of the performance, including musical precision, tone quality and expression, as well as visual presentation involving uniformity of marching and commands.
MIMAC 2024 Results
Field Marching Category
Secondary Division
- Champion: Victoria Institution, Kuala Lumpur
- Runner-up: SMJK Nan Hwa, Perak
- 3rd Place: UiTM Shah Alam, Selangor
Primary Division
- Champion: SK Sri Adika Raja, Perak
- Runner-up: SK St. Anthony, Perak
- 3rd Place: SK Temenggong Abd Rahman 1, Johor
Special Awards
- Best Drum Major: SMK Air Puteh, Pahang
Overall Champion of Field Parade Category: Victoria Institution, Kuala Lumpur.