
Sibu reinforces role as cultural hub at Borneo Cultural Festival 2025
SIBU (July 11) : The Cultural Night of the Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) 2025 was more than a showcase of traditional performances and colourful costumes – it highlighted Sibu's growing stature as a cultural hub for the Borneo region, said State Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang.
In a speech read by Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Clarence Ting, Tiang described the festival as a platform that strengthens cultural resilience and unites communities across borders.
'Sibu is more than the gateway to Central Sarawak. It is the cultural heartbeat of Borneo,' he said during BCF 2025 Cultural Night tonight.
The evening featured a vibrant programme of traditional music, dance, and crafts, with performances by cultural troupes from across Sarawak and international guests from West Java, Indonesia.
The presence of foreign delegations was seen as a sign of Sibu's rising prominence in regional cultural diplomacy.
'Tonight, we are not only witnessing performances. We are witnessing stories of identity, resilience and beauty expressions that connect generations and communities.
'Culture is not a luxury. It is our legacy,' Ting said.
He urged Sarawakians to view culture as a living heritage that must be preserved and passed down, especially amid globalisation and rapid digital change.
'Let this festival be more than a celebration. Let it be a call to action, a shared commitment to ensure our cultural heritage remains part of our future, not just our past,' Ting added.
The night's performances reflected Sarawak's rich ethnic diversity, including Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Malay, Melanau, and Chinese traditions.
Participation from Indonesian groups added a spirit of cross-cultural appreciation.
Also present were Lanang MP Alice Lau, SMC Deputy Chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley, Political Secretary to the Premier of Sarawak Joshua Ting, Acting Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia Musa Derek Sairwona, Sibu District Police Chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili, Deputy Organising Chairman Cr Michelle Law, and other invited guests.
The Borneo Cultural Festival continues through the weekend, featuring themed nights dedicated to various ethnic groups, culinary showcases, and cultural exhibitions. BCF 2025 Clarence Ting Cultural Night Michael Tiang Sibu
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
![G-DRAGON Lights Up Kuala Lumpur with [Übermensch] Spectacle](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.businesstoday.com.my%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F07%2F20250719-GD_00332-e1753071752981.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
![G-DRAGON Lights Up Kuala Lumpur with [Übermensch] Spectacle](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fall-logos-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbusinesstoday.com.my.png&w=48&q=75)
BusinessToday
2 days ago
- BusinessToday
G-DRAGON Lights Up Kuala Lumpur with [Übermensch] Spectacle
Evoto G-DRAGON made a triumphant return to Kuala Lumpur with a sold-out two-night stand at the Axiata Arena Bukit Jalil on July 19 and 20. Presented by Hong Leong Bank, the 2025 WORLD TOUR [Übermensch] dazzled Malaysian fans with a visually stunning and sonically powerful performance that confirmed the K-pop icon's continued global influence. Promoted by AEG Presents, TME Live, Star Planet, and Top Top Production, the tour attracted fans from across Malaysia and neighbouring countries. Over 20,000 attendees packed the arena across the two days, bearing witness to a visual and sonic performance. The atmosphere turned electric the moment the lights dimmed. G-DRAGON took the stage with 'POWER,' instantly energising the crowd and setting a high-octane tone that carried through the entire performance. With cinematic visuals, dynamic choreography, and intimate storytelling, he led the audience through a deeply immersive experience that was both personal and larger-than-life. His setlist was a powerful blend of past and present, featuring iconic anthems such as 'Crooked,' 'Crayon,' 'Heartbreaker,' and 'One of a Kind,' alongside brand-new tracks including 'TOO BAD' and 'DRAMA.' Together, these songs formed the core of Übermensch, a conceptually rich project exploring themes of self-transcendence, reinvention, and artistic liberation. Every element of the show was executed to perfection. From futuristic stage design and immersive lighting to jaw-dropping visual effects, the production was a multi-sensory spectacle. G-DRAGON's renowned fashion commanded attention throughout the night with multiple outfit changes, each reflecting his bold, ever-evolving style and perfectly complementing the mood and message of each segment. His ability to fuse high fashion with an unparalleled stage presence further cemented his reputation as a true global fashion icon. Fans were not just spectators—they were part of the show. Thousands waved their light sticks in perfect unison, their chants ringing out between songs. The emotional crescendo came during 'Untitled, 2014,' when the entire arena glowed with soft light. Fans sang along in unison, their voices trembling with emotion, with many visibly moved to tears. From start to finish, the Kuala Lumpur shows were nothing short of extraordinary. G-DRAGON's Kuala Lumpur shows offered more than entertainment—they were a celebration of connection, artistry, and identity. Related

Barnama
5 days ago
- Barnama
Fun-filled Day Two Of SMP 2025 Highlights Malaysia's Rich Diversity
BATU KAWAN, July 18 (Bernama) -- The second day of the National Unity Week (SMP) 2025 at the Batu Kawan Stadium grounds continues with a vibrant showcase of cultural diversity, heritage and national identity. The highlight this morning was a special children's programme, kicking off with the Little Chef Competition, followed by a lively musical performance by Didi & Friends scheduled for the afternoon Adding to the excitement, today's festivities also include Malay traditional cooking demonstrations, traditional games, and talent shows such as the Unity Idol 2025 competition and the Battle of the Bands, providing a platform for aspiring musicians to shine. Tonight, a Unity Partners Certificate Presentation Ceremony will be held to honour the support and commitment of strategic partners who have worked closely with the Ministry of National Unity to promote and enliven the celebration. The ceremony will be officiated by Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang at 8pm, accompanied by Deputy Minister K. Saraswathy. A total of 35 engaging activities are lined up throughout the week until this Sunday, including the Rumah KAMI ethnic house exhibition, Kadazan Dusun and Orang Asli villages, the Malaysia Tanah Airku exhibition, a national museum timeline showcase, and the Malaysia Library Pavilion Carrying the theme "Harmony in Diversity", SMP 2025 also features the Food Unites programme, MADANI sales, local crafts and SME products, a durian fair, Unity Run, traditional sports, e-sports tournament, Kembara Ilmu, Penang Book Festival, Wayang Pacak (outdoor cinema), Open Boria Competition, traditional costume parade, and primary school ethnic dance contest. Visitors can also access on-the-spot services, including traffic summons discounts by the police (PDRM) and Road Transport Department (JPJ), as well as compound reductions by local authorities such as Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP). To ease travel, seven Rapid Penang shuttle buses are available for public use, while AirAsia Ride is offering special discounts for rides to the event venue.


The Star
15-07-2025
- The Star
Pageant of grace and Dayak cultural pride
Mesha (seated), Axiomara (left) and Emily with their prizes. The grand finale of the Miss Borneo Dayak Cultural Festival 2025 saw 10 finalists showcasing their beauty and culture. College student Mesha Carlynie Jess took home the coveted title at the event held at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 1, Sibu, in conjunction with the Borneo Cultural Festival in Sarawak. The 22-year-old banking diploma student from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Mukah impressed judges and the audience with her poise and grace. 'I was surprised and overjoyed as I didn't expect to win this competition,' said Mesha. 'I'm very pleased with the result because it reflects the hard work I put in before and during the event,' said Mesha. She received RM4,000 cash, a crown, sash, trophy, certificate and gift hamper. Mesha said she had to travel frequently between Mukah and Sibu to attend classes as well as the finalist selection and rehearsals. Originally from Kapit, she is no stranger to Kumang (traditional beauty contest) competitions, having taken part in over 20 since 2022 and winning several of them. 'Through Kumang competitions, I aim to send the message that true beauty lies not only in appearance, but also in knowledge, self-confidence and cultural pride,' she said. 'I hope to elevate Dayak traditions so they remain appreciated and are embraced by the younger generation,' she added. Axiomara Tijan Andy was named first runner-up and won RM3,000, while Emily Rinya Lenggang was second runner-up with RM2,000. Both also received sashes, trophies, hampers and certificates. Each of the other finalists – Natasha Malviana, Manisha Vyonnie, Amenda Alannie, Jatitup Nyambar, Daphne Herbeck Ilam, Nelly Mujan and Melanie Joyce – received RM1,000 and a certificate of appreciation. The 10 finalists were selected from an initial pool of 24 contestants to showcase their beauty and cultural pride on the grand stage, while donning intricate and traditional Orang Ulu attire. National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang launched the event.