Borneo Cultural Festival 2025's arch symbolises unity in Sarawak's trio heritage
SIBU (June 24): The upcoming iconic Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) will feature an arch designed with three simple villages representing Chinese, Malay-Melanau, and Dayak cultures, said organising chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley.
He said the path beneath the arch will lead directly to the marquee tent in front of main stage.
'This year's arch concept differs from that of previous years. It signifies the strong racial harmony and unity among Sarawakians of diverse backgrounds. That has always been Sarawak's strength ― unity in diversity.
'That is why the structures are built close to each other,' he told The Borneo Post when asked about the design concept for this year's arch at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 1.
Layout plan of the BCF arch at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 1. – Photo courtesy of Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley
The 21st edition of BCF will be held from July 3 to 12 at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 1 and 2 here.
The Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, is expected to officiate the opening ceremony on July 4, while Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian will be the guest of honour for the closing ceremony on July 12.
On the arch construction, Mohammed Abdullah, who is also Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) deputy chairman, said work began a few days ago and is expected to be completed before July.
Another anticipated attraction at BCF 2025 is the towering 'itut', the Melanau traditional giant swing, located at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang.
Last year, the 'itut' stood at 46-feet tall and was a major draw among both locals and visitors.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
3 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Dr Sam moved as Malaysians of all races sing 'Saya Anak Malaysia'
KUALA LUMPUR: The patriotic song "Saya Anak Malaysia" continues to resonate across generations, with Malaysians of all races embracing it as a symbol of national pride and love for their country. Its singer, Salim Ibrahim, 72, better known as Dr Sam, said he was deeply moved to see Malaysians from diverse backgrounds passionately singing the song whenever it is played. "Thanks to Allah. It touches me to see not only Malays, but also Chinese and Indians singing this song together," he said emotionally. He recalled how, in the past, his housing area would resonate with the chant of Saya Anak Malaysia when the local Chinese community paraded on Aug 31, singing the song. Dr Sam was a guest performer at the launch of National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang 2025 for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, officiated by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil at Institut Pendidikan Guru (IPG) Kampus Bahasa Melayu today. He admitted that he became emotional when he heard schoolchildren, youth, and university students singing the song, even if they had never met him. "Although the song is 39 years old, people still sing it. Even the children sing along… during the performance today, the IPG students joined in, and I felt deeply moved," he said, admitting he nearly shed tears. Dr Sam said he never imagined that the song, composed by renowned musician Datuk M. Nasir with lyrics by S. Amin Shahab in 1986, would endure as a patriotic emblem for Malaysians. One of his fondest memories was its first performance at the Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) Auditorium, where the hall resounded with enthusiastic singing on the eve of National Day. "The entire hall echoed… I will never forget that moment," he said with a smile. He added that the song's enduring appeal lies in its simple melody and memorable lyrics, which resonate with Malaysians of all ages and races. "When people hear this song, everyone feels like part of one big family called Malaysia. That is what makes me proud," he said.
New Straits Times
4 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Sultan Nazrin graces state-level national month patriotism event for students
IPOH: Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah graced a patriotism event held in conjunction with the Perak-level National Month 2025 celebrations at the Banquet Hall of the Perak Darul Ridzuan Building here tonight. His Royal Highness was accompanied by Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim and escorted by Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and his wife Datin Seri Aezer Zubin, along with Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and Perak Education, Higher Education, Youth and Sports Committee chairman Khairudin Abu Hanipah. The programme, which included an elocution competition, along with essay writing, poetry, caricature drawing and poster drawing contests, as well as choral speaking and oral rhyming, is aimed to nurture Malaysians with a national identity and an understanding of the second Rukun Negara principle, Loyalty to King and Country. Tonight's event featured performances from the contest winners, who were presented with prizes in their respective categories by Sultan Nazrin and Tuanku Zara. Sultan Nazrin presented prizes to the upper secondary Malay elocution contest winner Ifwat Arrafi Mohd Amin, a student from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Tun Abd Razak, as well as to the English elocution contest winner A Sandra Ann from SMK St Bernadette's Convent, as well as the winners in oral rhyming, choral speaking and choir for all school levels. Tuanku Zara meanwhile, presented prizes to winners of the essay and poetry writing, poster drawing, caricature drawing contests for all school levels.
Borneo Post
5 hours ago
- Borneo Post
‘Colour, culture, cheer': Kuching ‘Parade of Lights' shines despite evening rain
Participants from Persatuan Main Asal Dayak Sarawak dressed in traditional attire adorned with lights, adding a striking glow to the parade. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (Aug 16): The Kuching Street Parade, themed 'Parade of Lights', lit up the city centre tonight with bursts of colour, music, and festive spirit, despite a sudden downpour temporarily disrupting the celebration. The parade began smoothly at 6pm from Travillion Commercial Centre, flagged off by Kuching North Datuk Bandar Dato Hilmy Othman. More than 2,000 participants from 54 contingents, representing government agencies, the private sector, NGOs, Neighbourhood Committees, and institutions of higher learning, marched proudly through the streets, greeted by cheers and applause from the crowd. The joyous atmosphere was briefly interrupted around 7.15pm when heavy rain swept across the city, forcing activities to pause. Participants carrying umbrellas adorned with vibrant lights brighten up the Kuching Street Parade, matching both the theme and the rainy weather. – Photo by Chimon Upon Guests and spectators waited under shelter while participants stood ready with umbrellas and ponchos. As the skies cleared, the parade resumed, its vibrant energy returning with dazzling floats, lively performances, and beaming smiles. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, representing Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, arrived at the main stage at Padang Merdeka at 8pm, accompanied by his wife Datin Sri Enn Ong. They were welcomed by other distinguished guests, including Hilmy; Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng; State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar; and Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Hall and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi. The main showcase opened with a dance performance by the National Department of Culture and Arts, setting the evening's tone with rhythmic movements and colourful costumes. DBKU contingent thrills the crowd with a fire-breathing act accompanied by energetic dances. – Photo by Kong Jung Liung Stage lights were dimmed to highlight the glowing costumes and illuminated displays from the contingents. Many participants went the extra mile to bring the 'Parade of Lights' theme to life, dazzling the crowd with graceful dances, shimmering costumes, bright floats, and creative touches infused with Sarawak's rich cultural elements. Endless music, applause, and cheers added to the festive atmosphere, proving that not even rain could dampen the brilliance of Kuching's Parade of Lights. Kuching Street Parade Parade of Lights
