It was a truly unforgettable night for The Band Lab. We were honoured to be invited to provide entertainment for the “Majlis Makan Malam Bersama Komuniti,” a community dinner held at the Riverside Majestic Hotel in Kuching on 11 September 2025. The event was held in conjunction with the visit of Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim to Sarawak.  

The dinner itself was organised on short notice after a planned visit to Mulu was canceled due to bad weather, a fact that the Prime Minister personally acknowledged and praised the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, for arranging so swiftly. It was a gathering of key federal and state leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof, and Sarawak’s Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Anak Embas, Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, and Datuk Amar Professor Dr. Sim Kui Hian.   

Our six-member live band, consisting of a violinist, saxophonist, pianist, drummer, bassist, and guitarist, was invited to set the mood for the evening. We had prepared a diverse setlist, playing a selection of music that ranged from pop to timeless classics, such as “The Moon Represents My Heart,” to local favourites like “Bekikis Bulu Betis."

The most surreal and honorable moment came mid-performance when the Prime Minister stood up from the main VIP table and walked directly toward our stage. He approached us, stood just a few feet away, and listened intently to our performance. His friendly smile and clear enjoyment of the music left us in awe. After a few moments, he gave us a personal and heartfelt applause before walking back to his seat. That gesture—his personal approval and acknowledgment—was the absolute highlight of the night. It was a powerful validation of our music and an experience we will cherish forever.

Beyond our performance, we were privileged to be a part of an event that underscored the strong cooperation between the federal and state governments. During his speech, Premier Abang Johari highlighted how this close partnership is a foundation for Malaysia's progress. The Prime Minister, in turn, commended Sarawak's leadership for its clear vision and urged it to continue prioritising good governance to achieve their development goals. It was a powerful reminder that our music was part of a much larger, nation-building conversation, making the entire evening even more meaningful.