Bidayuh elders urged to instil cultural identity in youth
KUCHING (Aug 10): State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Deputy Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan has called on the Bidayuh community to instil their cultural identity in the younger generation to ensure its preservation.
He stressed that it is the community elders' responsibility to safeguard and pass down their customs and traditions to future generations.
'Make sure that everything you do related to your customs, your tribe, and your history is preserved, and that these are shared with the younger generation.
'Sometimes the younger generation is too occupied with technology, mobile phones and the like, to the point they forget the diversity of ethnic groups we have,' he said.
He was speaking during the Ngarom Bisamah 2025 dinner at the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) multi-purpose hall here last night, organised by Persatuan Segu Bunuk Penrissen (PSBP).
In line with this, he encouraged PSBP to apply for funding from his ministry to organise workshops, classes or programmes that promote the preservation of Bidayuh heritage and culture.
'Our ministry has several funds that you can apply for under my creative industry portfolio.
'If the association wishes to organise workshops or classes on traditional dances, handicrafts and the like, you can apply through the facilitation fund,' he said.
Additionally, he encouraged the association to apply for event grants for any festival or celebration they wish to hold, adding that if the event is sustainable and held annually, it could be proposed for inclusion in the Sarawak tourism calendar.
'Once it is listed in the tourism calendar, it will automatically receive an annual allocation,' he said.
In a show of support, he also pledged RM20,000 for the association's activities.
Held in conjunction with PSBP's seventh anniversary, the event also saw three prominent individuals receiving the 'Bisegu Icon Award'.
The recipients were Sarawak Skills senior manager (strategic engagement and consultancy) John Rizal Biki; Joeyees Trading Sdn Bhd founder Awaeang Kwasin; and local singer Roziena Ixzy Halix (Roxy Ixzy), who was also the 2024 Bintang RTM champion.
Among those present were Puncak Borneo MP Datuk Willie Mongin and DBNA president Datu Ik Pahon Joyik.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
a day 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
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Borneo Post
Sarawak eyes 5 mln tourists this year as WAK Festival kicks off
Abdul Karim speaks during the launch of the WAK Festival 2025 calendar today. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (Aug 13): Sarawak is targeting five million tourist arrivals this year, with 2.4 million already recorded as of July, said State Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. Speaking at the launch of the What About Kuching (WAK) Festival 2025 calendar at the Kuching Old Court House today, Abdul Karim said the state remains on track to meet its goal, though high airfare prices continue to pose a challenge. 'We've seen economy class fares hit RM800, and even more than RM1,000 at times. Prices are always driven by demand and supply. 'I'm looking forward to our new state airline, which could help stabilise rates. 'Apart from that, I do hope also that the airlines that are servicing now, whether it's MAS (Malaysia Airlines), whether it's AirAsia, whether it's Batik Air, they have to be considered and make sure that everything is in order,' he said. Abdul Karim stressed that flagship events like WAK play a crucial role in attracting visitors while showcasing Sarawak's rich arts, culture, and creative industries. This year's WAK, themed 'Roots', interpreted as 'We Are Kindred', will feature 49 partners, 67 events, and 369 programmes across 44 venues in and around Kuching, covering music, theatre, visual arts, crafts, gastronomy, and community activities. He noted that the festival's momentum had already begun building through its June satellite editions in Sibu and Miri, which drew strong crowds and highlighted WAK's role in uniting communities. Looking ahead, Abdul Karim said the International Dragon Boat Regatta will take place this October, featuring teams from 20 countries, making it one of the busiest tourism months for Sarawak. He urged more stakeholders and sponsors to support such events to reinforce Sarawak's position as a unique cultural destination. Also present were State Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew and the ministry's permanent secretary Datu Sherrina Hussaini. Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah Kuching tourism WAK Festival
The Star
4 days ago
- The Star
Sarawak records over RM1bil per month in tourism receipts from January to June this year
State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah launching the WAK Festival calendar reveal on Wednesday (Aug 13). - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star KUCHING: Sarawak has recorded tourism receipts exceeding RM1bil every month from January to June this year, says Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. The state Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister said this was the best performance achieved by the tourism industry so far. "Tourism receipts include spending on hotels, restaurants, transport, crafts and related expenditure. "In other words, it's the money going into the industry, not just in Kuching but other parts of Sarawak," he said at the calendar reveal of the WAK Festival here on Wednesday (Aug 13). Abdul Karim said the tourism receipts reflected the high numbers of visitors coming to Sarawak in the first half of the year. He said Sarawak was well on track to hit its target of five million visitors this year, having received 2.4mil up to June. "We are looking at 500,000 visitors a month from July onwards, so I'm confident we can reach our target," he said. Abdul Karim said events like the WAK Festival were among the contributing factors attracting tourists to Sarawak. He said the festival, which runs throughout October, had grown from its humble beginnings in 2017, expanding from Kuching to Sibu and Miri last year. "What I love about WAK is that it comes from the community, for the community. "October, which used to be a quiet time, has now turned into an interesting month with a lot of events," he said. Festival director Donald Tan said the WAK acronym was evolving into a new identity this year following the festival's expansion to Sibu and Miri. "WAK used to stand for What About Kuching. We've decided to position ourselves as the WAK Festival which now stands for We Are Kindred," he said. Tan said this year's festival was themed "Roots" to celebrate Sarawak's cultural and historical roots. "It reminds us to honour our shared past even as we grow new connections that branch outward, nurturing fresh collaborations that breathe life into our city's creative landscape," he said. The festival will feature 49 collaborators, 67 unique events and 369 daily activities spread across 44 venues in and around Kuching. Crafts, food and music events are among the highlights. "We want to take creative and artistic activities to street level to engage with the community," Tan said.
