Pullman Kuching Hotel unveiled its newly renovated 1,615 square meter Grand Ballroom in full glam and glamour to welcome the ASEAN International Film Festival & Awards (AIFFA) 2025. The event marked another memorable milestone in the hotel’s long-standing partnership with the region’s most-recognised film festival. Designed to elevate gatherings of every scale, the refreshed ballroom provided a modern, elegant backdrop for an evening of film, music, and cultural exchange.
At its hilltop address in the city, Pullman Kuching continues to be the destination of choice for memorable and exciting events that bring people together, where Kuching rises. Whether hosting a global convention, a personal milestone, or a red-carpet gala, the hotel remains synonymous with experiences that connect and inspire.
AIFFA returning to Pullman Kuching for the fourth time says a great deal about the confidence they place in our hotel,” said. We’ve welcomed Donnie Yen, Steven Seagal, Rain, and now Simon Yam across the years, and we’re proud to be their preferred venue. Our capacity, our spaces, and the way our team works with them make it easy to host their stars. Welcoming this year’s guests into our newly renovated Grand Ballroom, and having them stay ‘where Kuching rises’ has been a privilege for all of us. ~ Sunardi Song, General Manager of Pullman Kuching
The AIFFA 2025 gala brought together a distinguished lineup of talents across film, music, and the arts. As flashes lit the night, legendary actor Simon Yam made his entrance alongside Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, AIFFA Executive Director Jaffri Amin Osman, and Southeast Asia’s leading talents from music icons Dato’ M. Nasir and Ruth Sahanaya, to performers Mimifly, Vince Chong, and Ronnie Jupiter. Visionary filmmakers Lav Diaz and Sarawak’s own Tony Eusoff completed the constellation of creative stars, each contributing to an evening that felt unmistakably Kuching. The night embodied the spirit of AIFFA, and Pullman Kuching – elevated, expressive, and full of heart. Also in attendance were Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
Inside the Grand Ballroom, guests were immersed in a space that was designed for connection and flow. Thoughtful set-up and lighting, renewed interiors, state-of-the-art facilities, and a layout built for movement created a smooth transition between red-carpet moments, award presentations, and performances. For many, the evening not only celebrated cinematic excellence but also reflected Kuching’s growing reputation as a vibrant hub for creative and memorable events, built for connection.
Across the evening, Vince Chong, Ronnie Jupiter, and Mimifly took turns on stage, each presenting their own sound and style to the AIFFA audience. Supported by Pullman Kuching’s state-of-the-art ballroom facilities, their sets landed smoothly and kept a lively rhythm running through the gala.
As the curtains draw on an unforgettable AIFFA night, Pullman Kuching now turns its sights to the festive season ahead. Guests can look forward to a calendar of vibrant Christmas and year-end celebrations, while event organisers are invited to experience the hotel’s newly refreshed event venues, ideal for conferences, launches, and social occasions that deserve an elevated and sophisticated setting.