Latest news with #BDCF
Borneo Post
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Mesha Carlynie Jesse crowned Miss BDCF 2025 in celebration of Dayak culture
Mesha (centre), flanked by Axiomara (left) and Emily with their prizes in a photocall after after crowning. SIBU (July 10): Mesha Carlynie Jesse was crowned Miss Borneo Dayak Cultural Festival (BDCF) 2025 during the grand finale held at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 1 here on Wednesday. Her poise, confidence and graceful presentation of Dayak traditional culture earned her the coveted title, along with a cash prize of RM4,000, crown, sash, trophy, bouquet, hamper and certificate. First runner-up Axiomara Tijan Andy walked away with RM3,000, a sash, trophy and consolation gifts, while Emily Rinya Lenggang who finished in third place, took home RM2,000 and similar prizes. The seven other finalists ― Natasha Malviana, Manisha Vyonnie, Amenda Alannie, Jatitup Nyambar, Daphne Herbeck Ilam, Nelly Mujan and Melanie Joyce ― each received RM1,000 and a certificate of appreciation. The cultural-themed beauty pageant was one of the highlights of the Dayak Cultural Night, featuring a variety of ethnic performances and traditional costume showcases. Out of 24 contestants, 10 were selected to compete in the final round. The finalists donned traditional Orang Ulu attire, showcasing the richness of Dayak heritage through intricate textiles and ethnic accessories. The event served as a platform to celebrate and preserve Dayak culture, while instilling cultural pride among the younger generation. BCF Mesha Carlynie Jesse Miss Borneo Dayak Cultural Festival Sibu
Borneo Post
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Minority Ethnic Festive Calendar to be launched next year, says National Unity Minister
Aaron (centre) in a group photo with the various ethnic group performers during the event. SIBU (July 9): Malaysia will soon launch its first official Minority Ethnic Festive Calendar, a reference guide highlighting the celebrations and cultural practices of the country's minority ethnic communities. The inaugural edition is set for release in January next year. National Unity Minister Dato Sri Aaron Ago Dagang announced the initiative during the opening of the Borneo Cultural Festival (BDCF) 2025 Dayak Cultural Night at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang here tonight. He said the calendar will not only list festive dates, but also provide insights into their meanings, origins, and associated traditions. 'This calendar is not just a schedule of events, it is an awareness tool to help Malaysians better understand and respect each other's cultures,' he told a crowd of over 3,000 at the vibrant multicultural event. Aaron said the calendar will be made available both digitally and in print, and distributed to all ministries, government agencies, schools, universities, and relevant stakeholders. 'With this calendar, we will know when our friends celebrate festivals such as Irau Aco (Lun Bawang), Kalimaran Festival (Murut), Lepa-Lepa Festival (Bajau), Magahau Festival (Rungus), and many more. It promotes greater cultural sensitivity,' he said. He added that the initiative forms part of the ministry's broader effort to promote its 'Harmony in Diversity' agenda by recognising and celebrating minority cultures that are often underrepresented nationally. Praising Sarawak as a model of unity in diversity, Aaron said genuine national harmony can only be achieved when Malaysians embrace and celebrate their cultural uniqueness. 'Sarawak has proven that diversity does not weaken us, it makes us stronger. Differences should not be walls but bridges that connect us,' he said. BCF 2025 marks the 21st edition of the annual cultural celebration. This year's theme, 'Rhythm of Borneo', is accompanied by a new mascot – the Clouded Leopard (Neofelis diardi) – symbolising Borneo's rich biodiversity and the importance of wildlife conservation. The week-long festival showcases traditional music, dance, handicrafts, and food from the Dayak, Malay, Melanau, and Chinese communities of Sarawak. Also present at the event were Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang, Sibu Municipal Council Chairman Ting Ing Horh, SMC Deputy Chairman Mohammad Abdullah Izkandar Roseley, Dayak Pavillion 2025 lead coordinator Augustine Merikan and other invited guests. Aaron Dagang BCF 2025 Minority Ethnic Festive Calendar national unity Sibu
The Sun
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
National Unity Ministry to launch Ethnic Minority Festival Calendar in January 2026
SIBU: The Ministry of National Unity will, for the first time, publish the Ethnic Minority Festival Calendar in January 2026 in a bid to strengthen understanding and unity among the country's multi-racial population. Minister Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang said the calendar would compile comprehensive information on the dates, backgrounds and descriptions of traditional festivals and ceremonies celebrated by ethnic minorities across the country. 'This calendar is not just a list of festival dates but serves as a medium for cultural education aimed at fostering mutual respect and appreciation for ethnic diversity, which is the cornerstone of Malaysia's strength,' he said when officiating the Borneo Dayak Cultural Festival (BDCF) 2025 at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang here tonight. Aaron said the calendar would be distributed in both printed and electronic formats to ministries, government departments, educational institutions and other stakeholders. 'With this calendar, the community will become more aware of festivals such as Irau Aco (Lun Bawang), Songkran Festival (Siamese), Kalimaran Festival (Murut), Lepa-Lepa Festival (Bajau), Magahau Festival (Rungus) and Mipis Festival (Dusun Lotud). 'We will gain a better understanding of cultural sensitivities and, more importantly, develop greater respect for one another as Malaysians,' he said. Aaron added that national unity could not be achieved without mutual respect and cultural understanding. 'Only through understanding and accepting cultural differences can the spirit of 'Harmony in Diversity' be instilled in our daily lives,' he said. Commenting on the BDCF, Aaron said the festival, now in its 21st edition, reflected the cultural strength and harmony among Sarawak's diverse communities, including the Dayak, Malay, Melanau and Chinese. 'This festival is unique and special, as it highlights unity in cultural diversity through artistic performances, traditional food and ethnic heritage,' he said. Carrying the theme 'Rhythm of Borneo 2025', this year's edition also saw the introduction of a new official mascot, Engkuli, the local name for the Harimau Dahan (Neofelis diardi), which represents biodiversity preservation and the natural wealth of Borneo. According to Aaron, Sarawak - home to over 30 ethnic groups and more than 40 dialects - was the best example of how cultural diversity could serve as a foundation for social unity and strength. - Bernama
