Swinburne Sarawak's Gawai Dayak Bazaar upholds unity amidst diversity
KUCHING (June 11): The Gawai Dayak Bazaar 2025, which took place at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus here recently, brought together diverse communities in a colourful and lively celebration of culture.
The three-day event, organised by Swinburne Sarawak Sekretariat Rukun Negara (SSSRN) in collaboration with the Department of National Unity and Integration (JPNIN) Sarawak and the Sarawak Arts Council, meant to foster unity and strengthen the ties amongst the younger generation and local communities through arts and culture.
The bazaar featured a wide range of engaging activities, from artistic and cultural demonstrations to folk dances, as well as exhibitions and stalls selling traditional Dayak crafts and clothing.
A selection of diverse food offerings added to the festivities, allowing visitors to enjoy a taste of local cuisine.
Among the highlights were demonstrations of traditional craft-making by the Orang Ulu and Iban communities, performances of traditional musical instruments such as 'Tabuh Iban', and showcases of traditional clothing-making techniques.
See (third left) and Giri, on his left, join other guests in a photo-call on stage.
The traditional dance performances, including the 'ngajat' of the Iban, not only entertained attendees, but also encouraged their participation through interactive sessions alongside the performers.
Visitors had the opportunity to explore exhibitions and stalls showcasing authentic Dayak cultural products such as beadworks, traditional clothing, and delicacies such as 'manok pansuh' (chicken cooked in bamboo).
Around 70 small-and-medium-sized traders participated in the bazaar, offering an array of products including clothing, cosmetics, food, and beverages.
The event also involved non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and associations such as the Ngajat Asal Iban Association (NGASI), Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (Asadia), Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA), and the Sarawak Kayan Association.
Visitors try their hands at playing traditional musical instruments at the bazaar.
The participation of the Sekretariat Rukun Negara of higher education institutions in Kuching and Samarahan further enhanced the programme's synergy and collaborative spirit.
Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How and JPNIN Sarawak deputy director Giri Nyareng were present at the opening ceremony.
Meanwhile, in his speech for the closing ceremony, SSSRN president and programme director Dexter Hu Siang Ching expressed gratitude for the successful organisation of the event, noting that it served not only to showcase the beauty of Sarawak's culture but also created a space for unity and goodwill among students, campus communities, and the wider public present.
'As a student and SSSRN president, I'm truly pleased to see the event run successfully.
'I was deeply moved by the overwhelming response from the participants and the strong support from visitors.
'We are already planning an even bigger event in the future,' he said.
Photo shows one of the stalls selling accessories made of Dayak beads.
Meanwhile, SSSRN advisor Dr Serit Banyan said such a programme greatly benefitted students by equipping them with event management experience, while providing opportunities to develop essential skills such as time management and leadership.
'The Gawai Dayak Bazaar truly reflects the spirit of unity among Sarawakians. I hope that we could continue hosting such events in the future,' he added.
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