10-08-2025
Bidayuh elders urged to instil cultural identity in youth
Snowdan (third right) and Willie blow out the candles to mark PSBP's seventh anniversary in Kuching, joined by other guests. — Photo by Kentigern Minggu
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.
