Miri MP: Cultural festivals crucial for strong national identity
Chiew (second right) presents a certificate of excellence to one of the students who excelled in last years' Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination. Also in photo is Kebana president Hilary Samah Tet (second left).
MIRI (June 4): Festivals that celebrate the unique cultures of Sarawak's indigenous communities play an important role in building a strong national identity, said Miri MP Chiew Choon Man.
He said that events such as the Kenyah Badeng National Association (Kebana) Festival are more than just performances or exhibitions—they reflect the community's deep appreciation for its cultural heritage.
'It's a platform to honour the Kenyah Badeng culture while bringing together people of all ages through the spirit of 'segulai sejalai'—unity and togetherness,' he said during the closing ceremony and cultural night of the Kebana Festival at IKBN here on Monday.
Chiew noted that the evening's programme showcased the traditions, values and identity of the Kenyah Badeng community and urged greater efforts to ensure these elements are passed down to future generations.
'Young people, not just from the Kenyah Badeng but from all communities, must play their part in keeping their respective culture alive.
'Our elders have worked hard to preserve our language, customs and identity. Now it's time for the younger generation to carry that forward, so it doesn't fade away,' he said.
He also emphasised that Malaysia's rich mix of cultures—especially in Sarawak—is an integral part of the country's identity and strength.
On the Kebana Festival, Chiew described it as more than just an annual gathering—it is a meaningful effort to promote unity and support the talents of Kenyah youth.
'From cultural competitions to academic awards and other activities, the festival shows that culture is something that grows and adapts.
'As the MP for Miri, I strongly support initiatives like this because I believe personal growth must be matched with cultural development,' he said.
The festival, which took place from May 31 to June 2, featured various activities such as football and badminton competitions, long dance and solo dance contests, a beauty pageant and academic excellence awards for Kenyah Badeng children who excelled in their national examinations last year. Chiew Choon Man Kenyah Badeng National Association Festival lead
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
3 days ago
- The Sun
Melaka allocates RM700,000 for 'Bijak SPM' initiative
MELAKA: The Melaka government has allocated RM700,000 under the 2025 State Budget to implement an excellence programme for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) candidates through the SPM Smart Initiative, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the implementation of the initiative involved 95 secondary schools and would benefit 12,757 SPM candidates in the state. 'The main goal of this initiative is to support schools in implementing various excellence programmes, including answering technique workshops, final preparation workshops, and the provision of SPM learning materials, to help students face the exam with greater confidence and readiness. 'We will also hold high-tech workshops to ensure students are well-prepared to face the challenges of an increasingly technology-driven world,' he told reporters here today. He said this after opening the 2024 SPM Excellent Student Appreciation Ceremony and the 2025 Melaka Bijak SPM programme, which was also attended by Deputy State Investment, Industry and TVET Development Committee chairman Datuk Khaidirah Abu Zaha According to Ab Rauf, the state government is allocating RM381,100, through the Melaka Education Trust Fund (Tapem), this year for the Bijak Sejarah dan Cemerlang SPM initiatives. He said that under the initiative, students who obtained straight A+'s would receive an incentive of RM1,000 and students who obtained straight A's would receive RM500, while students who obtained an A+ in History would receive RM200. 'This year, the state government also allocated RM200,000 for the implementation of the Free Tuition Programme for SPM and Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) students, especially those from the B40 group,' he said. In another development, he said that as part of efforts to expand access to education, the state government is taking steps to establish itself as the National TVET Centre, providing more opportunities for Melaka's youth to master high-tech skills aligned with current industry demands. 'Melaka currently has 61 TVET institutions offering various skills-based courses, and the confidence of foreign nations in the potential of local youth was recently demonstrated when the Chinese government offered 15 TVET scholarships to Malaysia, with five awarded to students from Melaka. 'This indirectly proves that Melaka is now ahead of other states in TVET development, convincing foreign countries to prioritise opportunities for our people,' he said.
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Daily Express
RM13 million Sabah State Education Fund aid for 9,000 students
Published on: Thursday, June 05, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 05, 2025 By: Marutin Ansiung Text Size: Mohamad Arifin (seated, centre) and others VIP in a group photo at the event. KENINGAU: The Sabah State Education Fund (TPNS) has spent RM13 million to support the education of more than 9,000 youths in Sabah since its inception three years ago. State Science, Technology and Innovation minister Datuk Dr Mohamad Arifin Arif said this reflected State Government's unwavering dedication to ensuring that no child in Sabah is deprived of educational opportunities. Advertisement 'This ongoing initiative, launched three years ago by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, underscores the State Government's prioritisation of education as a vital investment in Sabah's future,' he said. Arifin, representing the Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, said this during a ceremony held at the Sabah State Library Auditorium in here on Tuesday, where he officiated the distribution of TPNS aid and the presentation for the Adopted Schools programme in the district. During the ceremony, a total of RM435,695 was disbursed to 180 students from both public and private institutions of higher learning pursuing various academic qualifications, including Science Certificates, Diplomas, Bachelor's Degrees, Master's and Doctorate degrees. The event also recognised outstanding academic achievements, awarding RM1,000 each to a Keningau student who attained 12 A's and three students who secured 10 A's in the recent Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination at SM Ken Hwa. A total of 173 secondary school students from the district received free eyeglasses as part of the educational assistance programme. In addition to student aid, public libraries across Sabah including branches in Keningau, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Membakut, Tuaran, Semporna, Sandakan, Tawau, Beaufort, Ranau and Kota Marudu were recipients of educational tablets to enhance learning resources. The ceremony also featured support for the Bahasa Sahabat programme, which aims to strengthen the Malay language and improve English proficiency across four Malaysian Teacher Education Institutes (IPGM) campuses located in Kampus Kent, Keningau, Tawau, and Gaya Kinabalu. Aid for school activities was further extended through the Bagus programme and Sabah Sukes initiatives, benefiting the Keningau District Education Office (PPD) and the Sabah State Islamic Religious Affairs Department (Jheains). Two Adopted Schools which is SK Banjar and SMK Bingkor, were also awarded grants of RM5,000 and RM10,000 respectively. The event was graced by the presence of Assistant Minister of Community Development and People's Well-being Datuk Flovia Ng, who is also the Tulid assemblyman, the Director of the Sabah Education Department and senior officials from Yayasan Sabah Group and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
3 days ago
- The Star
Debate over SPM grades focuses on children's future, not about ‘playing politics', says Dr Wee
PETALING JAYA: The fight to allow students with A- grades into the matriculation programme is not about 'playing politics' but about securing the future of children and ensuring fairness, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. "This is not about race because we are fighting for all who are affected by the 'unfair policy' as education policies should not be changed at will, as our children's future is too important. "Some DAP ministers have accused me of playing politics over this issue. "Let me be clear, this is not about politics. It's about fairness for students and their families. It's about meritocracy and our children's future," said the MCA president on Facebook on Thursday (June 5). Dr Wee said DAP had lauded the Prime Minister last year when he announced that SPM candidates who scored 10As would receive automatic entry into matriculation, calling it a bold move. "But this year, without any public announcement, a circular dated April 30 stated that only A+ and A were considered as 'Grade A'. "Why was this done silently, after students had already taken their exams and received their results. "Where is the transparency and good governance DAP promised?" he asked. The Ayer Hitam MP said students had worked hard based on last year's criteria and now the goalposts had shifted, which he described as unfair. "If a policy is changed, it should be announced clearly, before students take the exam, not after," he added. Dr Wee said MCA had received hundreds of appeals from students and parents who were confused and heartbroken. "Last year A- was excellent, this year suddenly it's not. "We need solutions, not finger-pointing as the people deserve an answer," he added.
