Latest news with #Bornean
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Savouring Tradition and Celebrating Food, Culture and Community: MAGGI's Heartfelt Tribute to the Heritage of Sarawakians through the Annual Gawai Campaign
The winners of the 'Jom Masak & Menang Bersama' 2024. KUALA LUMPUR (May 30): For generations, MAGGI® has been more than just a staple in Malaysian kitchens, it has been a trusted companion, flavouring not only food, but also the moments that bring families and communities together. Its presence is deeply woven into the fabric of Malaysian life, and nowhere is this more evident than during the Gawai season in East Malaysia. As the people of Sarawak come together to celebrate Gawai with family, MAGGI® proudly continues its long-standing tradition of being part of these cherished festivities. Since 2003, MAGGI® has held a meaningful role in these celebrations, a symbol of home, heritage, and the joy of togetherness through food. As families gather to celebrate the harvest and pay tribute to their cultural heritage, MAGGI® remains a cherished part of the festivities, uniting generations through the power of food. This year, MAGGI® embraces the theme, 'Honouring the Cooks Behind the Festivities', a tribute to the unsung heroes consisting of mothers, elders, home cooks, and grassroots chefs who pass down treasured recipes, cultural values, and family traditions through the meals they lovingly prepare. The souls of every celebration that quietly connects the past with the present, one dish at a time. To preserve and share this culinary heritage, every year MAGGI® introduces festive recipes that pay tribute to the authentic flavours of Sarawak. These recipes spotlight local ingredients and traditions while also showcasing the authentic flavours of Bornean cuisine in ways that are accessible to home cooks everywhere. From Nasi Goreng Daun Pucuk Ubi, Sambal Terung Dayak Tunu and Umai Udang Asam Laksa, these dishes reflect carefully crafted recipes with modern-day twist of convenience and these recipes are made available on Essential to these recipes are kitchen staples like MAGGI® CukupRasa™ and MAGGI® Sambal Tumis, loved by many for their ability to help home cooks achieve depth and authenticity in their meals. And to those who crave speedy meals, MAGGI® Kari and MAGGI® Asam Laksa are especially loved by East Malaysians for their rich and authentic flavours. Building on the commitment of preserving heritage, MAGGI® takes a meaningful step to collaborate with a passionate Sarawakian chef who embodies the spirit of culinary heritage. Visit for more recipe inspiration. In Sarawak, MAGGI® partners with Chef Laura Sim Bara, an Iban-Bidayuh chef passionate about preserving the culinary heritage of her homeland. Chef Laura brings heart and history to every festive creation with her Iban and Bidayuh dishes. Her journey into the culinary world began in her 40s, when she made a bold career pivot and pursued formal training. Today, she mentors young chefs, teaches at culinary institutions, and serves as a key member of the Culinary Heritage and Arts Society Sarawak (CHASS). For Chef Laura, Gawai is a time to reflect, give thanks, and reconnect with one's cultural roots. 'Gawai is a moment of reflection, gratitude, and connection. I cook to keep those memories alive. Dishes like Ikan Baung Soup with Paku Pakis take me back to foraging with my grandfather where those are moments I hold close. Cooking is how I honour the land, the people, and the spirit of Sarawak,' shares Chef Laura. Through this partnership with MAGGI®, Chef Laura shares her heritage-inspired recipes with a wider audience, using familiar products to make traditional flavours more approachable for home cooks. 'I'm truly thankful to MAGGI® for recognising the value of our traditions and giving me a platform to share them,' she says. 'With MAGGI® Sambal Tumis and CukupRasa™, I can make authentic Sarawakian dishes easier for younger generations to recreate at home without compromising on flavour. Together with MAGGI®, I hope to keep our culinary legacy alive, vibrant, and meaningful.' This shared mission of empowerment extends beyond the kitchen as MAGGI®'s beloved 'Jom Masak & Menang Bersama' campaign returns from May 1 to June 30, rewarding loyal consumers and giving back to the communities. With every RM8 spent on MAGGI® products, participants can submit receipts for a chance to win prizes including cash and even a car. The impact of the campaign goes further with RM0.10 from every entry being donated to local NGOs, such as PurpleLily, which supports women's empowerment programmes. Another impact of this initiative is best seen through real-life stories, like Madam Tang Hung King, the 2021 winner from Sibu, Sarawak. A food supplier serving rural communities with MAGGI® and other goods, Madam Tang saw a major transformation in her business after winning the Isuzu D-Max. 'It allowed me to carry more stock, reach farther areas, and grow my business much more quickly. Not long after, I was even able to purchase a second vehicle for my operations, all because of that first big step with MAGGI®,' she shared. 'I actually knew about the MAGGI® 'Jom Masak & Menang Bersama' contest quite early on but only decided to participate a few years later when I saw it again at the supermarket. Since I regularly buy MAGGI® products anyway, I figured why not just submit my receipt. 'Now, every year, I encourage my friends and family to join. Most of them already use MAGGI® products, so I always tell them, just give it a shot ! You never know how one receipt could change everything.' MAGGI®'s commitment doesn't end with seasonal celebrations as the brand continues to support East Malaysian communities year-round through long-term partnerships with organisations like Helping Hands Penan, Hope Place, and the Malaysian Red Crescent Society, focusing on women empowerment, skills development, education, and essential aid. This year, MAGGI® strengthens this commitment by continuing its partnership with PurpleLily, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to empowering women and girls by providing financial literacy, life skills training, and leadership development while also fostering confidence and creating brighter futures within local communities. Through on-ground events including cooking carnivals, roadshows, cooking demonstrations, and competitions, MAGGI® hopes to create festive moments where communities can share culinary talents, enjoy games, and celebrate their heritage with pride and unity. These experiences allow MAGGI® to listen, learn, and serve East Malaysian families with sincerity and purpose for their festive Gawai celebrations. MAGGI® invites all Malaysians to reflect on the power of food to unite us, preserve our heritage, and inspire change. From cherished recipes and empowering campaigns to partnerships rooted in care, MAGGI® remains a steadfast ally in the kitchen and beyond. As families come together to celebrate Gawai, let's honour the cooks who bring the feast to life, cherish our traditions, and cook with a heart full of MAGGI® by our side. community food Gawai Dayak Maggi
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Savouring Tradition and Celebrating Food, Culture and Community: MAGGI's Heartfelt Tribute to the Heritage of Sabahans through the Annual Kaamatan Campaign
Velyzeah Barukon from Ranau winning the Isuzu D-Max in 2024. KUALA LUMPUR (May 30): For generations, MAGGI® has been more than just a staple in Malaysian kitchens, it has been a trusted companion, flavouring not only food, but also the moments that bring families and communities together. Its presence is deeply woven into the fabric of Malaysian life, and nowhere is this more evident than during the Kaamatan season in East Malaysia. As the people of Sabah come together to celebrate Kaamatan with family, MAGGI® proudly continues its long-standing tradition of being part of these cherished festivities. Since 2003, MAGGI® has held a meaningful role in these celebrations, a symbol of home, heritage, and the joy of togetherness through food. As families gather to celebrate the harvest and pay tribute to their cultural heritage, MAGGI® remains a cherished part of the festivities, uniting generations through the power of food. This year, MAGGI® embraces the theme, 'Honouring the Cooks Behind the Festivities', a tribute to the unsung heroes consisting of mothers, elders, home cooks, and grassroots chefs who pass down treasured recipes, cultural values, and family traditions through the meals they lovingly prepare. The souls of every celebration that quietly connects the past with the present, one dish at a time. To preserve and share this culinary heritage, every year MAGGI® introduces festive recipes that pay tribute to the authentic flavours of Sabah. These recipes spotlight local ingredients and traditions while also showcasing the authentic flavours of Bornean cuisine in ways that are accessible to home cooks everywhere. From MAGGI® Sambal Tumis Tuhau to Linopot Tawadak Badungan and MAGGI® Asam Laksa Jeruk Bambangan, these dishes reflect carefully crafted recipes with modern-day twist of convenience and these recipes are made available on Visit for more recipe inspiration. Essential to these recipes are kitchen staples like MAGGI® CukupRasa™ and MAGGI® Sambal Tumis, loved by many for their ability to help home cooks achieve depth and authenticity in their meals. And for those who crave speedy meals, MAGGI® Kari and MAGGI® Asam Laksa are especially loved by East Malaysians for their rich and authentic flavours. Building on the commitment of preserving heritage, MAGGI® takes a meaningful step to collaborate with passionate East Malaysian chefs who embody the spirit of culinary heritage. In Sabah, MAGGI® partners with Chef Melvin Gatu, known for reimagining Kadazan-Dusun dishes with a modern twist. For Chef Melvin, the celebration of Kaamatan is rooted in heritage, family, and gratitude—all of which are expressed through food. His journey began in Ranau, where he returned after formal culinary training to reconnect with his roots. Through digital platforms, he shares traditional Sabahan dishes, making them accessible and appealing to younger generations by promoting local ingredients and techniques. 'Growing up, I celebrated Kaamatan by cooking at home with my family,' shares Chef Melvin. 'I learned from my mother how to prepare ingredients like Tuhau and Losun with care and intention. Now, I bring that same care into my work, sharing dishes like Ikan Basung Goreng with Sambal Tumis Bunga Kantan and Nasi Goreng Losun Ikan Masin as a way to honour Sabah's diverse, rich culinary identity.' Through this partnership with MAGGI®, Chef Melvin hopes to inspire new generations to embrace their heritage. 'I truly appreciate MAGGI® for elevating local chefs and flavours. Collaborating with them allows me to modernise traditional dishes while staying true to our roots. Products like MAGGI® Sambal Tumis or MAGGI® CukupRasa™ make it easier for more people to experience the taste of Kaamatan in their own homes. With authentic flavours and taste now available in a convenient format, I'm proud to stand with MAGGI® in preserving our heritage.' This shared mission of empowerment extends beyond the kitchen as MAGGI®'s beloved 'Jom Masak & Menang Bersama' campaign returns from May 1 to June 30, rewarding loyal consumers and giving back to the communities. With every RM8 spent on MAGGI® products, participants can submit receipts for a chance to win prizes including cash and even a car. The impact of the campaign goes further with RM0.10 from every entry being donated to local NGOs. This year, the contribution supports PACOS. Trust in Sabah, an organisation dedicated to indigenous community development. The heart of this initiative shines through personal stories, as seen in Velyzeah Barukon, a 2024 winner from Ranau, Sabah. As a mother of school-going children, winning a car as the grand prize has transformed her family's daily life. 'When I found out I had won, I was absolutely overjoyed! We used to rely on others just to get to town or send the kids to school. Now, everything is so much more convenient,' she shares. 'MAGGI® products are both budget-friendly and delicious, if you're already a fan, why not take a chance? I'll definitely be entering again!' MAGGI®'s commitment doesn't end with seasonal celebrations as the brand continues to support East Malaysian communities year-round through long-term partnerships with organisations like Helping Hands Penan, Hope Place, and the Malaysian Red Crescent Society, focusing on women empowerment, skills development, education, and essential aid. Celebration is incomplete without community, and MAGGI® ensures the joy of Kaamatan reaches even the most remote corners of Sabah. Through on-ground events including cooking carnivals, roadshows, cooking demonstrations, and competitions, MAGGI® hopes to create festive moments where communities can share culinary talents, enjoy games, and celebrate their heritage with pride and unity. These experiences allow MAGGI® to listen, learn, and serve East Malaysian families with sincerity and purpose for their festive Kaamatan celebrations. MAGGI® invites all Malaysians to reflect on the power of food to unite us, preserve our heritage, and inspire change. From cherished recipes and empowering campaigns to partnerships rooted in care, MAGGI® remains a steadfast ally in the kitchen and beyond. As families come together to celebrate Kaamatan, let's honour the cooks who bring the feast to life, cherish our traditions, and cook with a heart full of with MAGGI® by our side. food Kaamatan Maggi recipe
Daily Express
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Harvest Festival Cup this Sunday
Published on: Thursday, May 29, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 29, 2025 Text Size: Highlight races for the day includes the Harvest Festival Sprint (1,200m) and the Mile (1,600m). Kota Kinabalu: The prestigious Royal Sabah Turf Club (RSTC) Harvest Festival Cup meeting is scheduled this Sunday (June 1) at Tambalang Racecourse, Tuaran. The day will witness supreme equine athletes battling for the ultimate rights to be champions of Bornean racing. Highlight races for the day includes the Harvest Festival Sprint (1,200m) and the Mile (1,600m). For the Sprint, 11 thoroughbreds are fighting for top position, with Easylights, Kinabalu Prince and Star Empire earmarked as early favourites. The Mile sees David's Sling ready for fierce battle with Kinabalu Star, Summer Glitter and Brilliant One over a challenging and energy-sapping 1,600m. The total prize money for these two marquee races is RM60,000. On the same day, both RSTC and Suruhanjaya Koperasi Malaysia (SKM) in close partnership will hold the Jualan Madani Koperasi bazaar – a community-focused initiative aimed at supporting residents with access to affordable daily essentials. Advertisement This bazaar will take place from 1pm to 5pm at the Racecourse, with many essential items from rice, poultry to packaged food items on steep discount for sale. All residents from nearby villages and communities are welcome to attend. Meanwhile, Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Ewon Benedick will be the guest-of-honour at the grand racing event and the community bazaar. 'Datuk Ewon's presence will greatly inspire both organisations and partners to drive meaningful community-based programmes further,' said the joint statement issued by RSTC Chairman Datuk Peter Chin and Datuk Wong Thien Fook, member of the SKM Board of Directors. * 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
NDTV
5 days ago
- Science
- NDTV
What The Hidden Rhythms Of Orangutan Calls Tell Us About Language
England: In the dense forests of Indonesia, you can hear strange and haunting sounds. At first, these calls may seem like a random collection of noises – but my rhythmic analyses reveal a different story. Those noises are the calls of Sumatran orangutans (Pongo abelii), used to warn others about the presence of predators. Orangutans belong to our animal family – we're both great apes. That means we share a common ancestor – a species that lived millions of years ago, from which we both evolved. Like us, orangutans have hands that can grasp, they use tools and can learn new things. We share about 97% of our DNA with orangutans, which means many parts of our bodies and brains work in similar ways. That's why studying orangutans can also help us understand more about how humans evolved, especially when it comes to things like communication, intelligence and the roots of language and rhythm. Research on orangutan communication conducted by evolutionary psychologist Adriano Lameira and colleagues in 2024 focused on a different species of orangutan, the wild Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii). They looked at a type of vocalisation made only by males, known as the long call, and found that long calls are organised into two levels of rhythmic hierarchy. This was a groundbreaking discovery, showing that orangutan rhythms are structured in a recursive way. Human language is deeply recursive. Recursion is when something is built from smaller parts that follow the same pattern. For example, in language, a sentence can contain another sentence inside it. In music, a rhythm can be made of smaller rhythms nested within each other. It's a way of organising information in layers, where the same structure repeats at different levels. So, when the two-level rhythmic pattern was discovered in the long calls of male Bornean orangutans, my team wanted to know whether this kind of rhythm was unique to those particular calls, or revealed a deeper part of how orangutans communicate. To find out, we studied the alarm calls of wild female Sumatran orangutans and found something surprising. Instead of two levels, as had been seen in the Bornean males, this time we found three. This is an even more sophisticated pattern than we expected. The shared roots of language Returning to those alarm calls echoing through the Indonesian forest, we can now hear them with new ears. With the help of statistical tools, what sounded like random noise now takes on a clear structure – a rhythmic pattern of calls grouped into regular bouts and repeated in sequences. Each layer follows a steady rhythm, like the ticking of a metronome. Until recently, many scientists believed only humans could build layered vocal structures. This belief helped reinforce the idea of a divide between us and other animals. But our discovery adds to a growing body of research showing this divide may not be so clear-cut. Studies on great apes and other animals such as lemurs, whales and dolphins have revealed they are capable of rhythmic structuring, vocal learning, combining signals and sounds to make new ones, and even using vowels and consonants. These findings suggest the roots of language may lie in shared evolutionary mechanisms. Human language is unique in many ways. But it probably did not appear suddenly. Even the most striking traits in life evolve by reshaping what already exists, through the slow work of variation and natural selection. Our work suggests the brain systems needed to build recursive patterns were present in our ancestors millions of years ago. The evolution of language We wanted to take our investigation a step further and ask why recursive patterns evolved. So, we designed an experiment in which wild orangutans were exposed to different predator models, some posing a more realistic threat than others. This involved a person walking on all fours under different-coloured blankets. One had tiger stripes (tigers are orangutan predators). The other blankets were blue, white or multi-coloured. We found that more structured, regular and faster orangutan alarm sequences were made in response to tiger stripes. When the predator seemed less convincing, the vocalisations lost that regularity and slowed down. So, rhythm may help listeners gauge the seriousness of a situation. These patterns in orangutan calls give us some important hints about how language might have started. But it's possible that other animals have similar ways of communicating that we haven't discovered yet. To really understand how things like evolution, social life and the environment shape these interesting communication skills, we need to keep studying many different animals. Perhaps the most surprising lesson is this: complexity doesn't always need words. The rhythms, patterns and structures we have uncovered in orangutan alarms remind us that meaningful communication can emerge in many forms – and that the roots of our language may lie not just in what is said, but how it is expressed. (Author: Chiara De Gregorio, Post Doctoral Research Fellow, University of Warwick) (Disclosure statement: Chiara De Gregorio does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.)
Daily Express
5 days ago
- Science
- Daily Express
Kinabatangan woman's bond with jumbos wins recognition
Published on: Wednesday, May 28, 2025 Published on: Wed, May 28, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: Nurzhafarina receiving the 2025 Whitley Fund for Nature award from WFN patron Princess Anne at the Royal Geographical Society in London April 30. (Pic: Facebook/Seratu Aatai) Kota Kinabalu: It was as if destiny had written her path. For over two decades, Nurzhafarina Othman's life journey in Sabah has been deeply intertwined with the majestic presence of the Bornean elephant, particularly within the lush, tropical rainforests of the Lower Kinabatangan. What began in 2003 as a decision to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Conservation Biology at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) unexpectedly opened the door to an entirely new world, one that allowed her to understand, in a profoundly holistic way, the ecology, social structure and behaviour of the largest land mammal in South-east Asia. The native of Kedah has since dedicated her life to studying every aspect of the Bornean elephant's life cycle as a senior lecturer at the UMS Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation, playing a vital role in the conservation of these gentle giants, whose future is increasingly threatened. Her journey is even more inspiring with her leadership as the founder and director of Seratu Aatai, a non-profit dedicated to elephant conservation, an unwavering commitment that earned global recognition in April when she was awarded the prestigious Whitley Award, often known as the 'Green Oscars'. Speaking to Bernama, she shared how a unique and powerful bond naturally formed between her and the elephants during her encounters in the field, which revealed a side of the species many never see, sensitive, affectionate and intelligent creatures capable of deep emotional expression. It is a connection built not just on science, but on mutual respect and understanding, that continues to shape her mission to protect these extraordinary animals and the fragile ecosystems they call home. Advertisement 'There's a feeling that we chose each other. At first, studying Bornean elephants was just a means to complete my degree. But the more time I spent with them, it felt as though they were telling me to stay,' said the young scientist softly in a recent exclusive interview. 'There has always been an opportunity to learn, to understand them more deeply. It's as if I was meant to be part of their story,' she added with a quiet conviction. As she recounted her journey, Nurzhafarina shared that she has never experienced aggression from the pachyderms; instead, her presence has always been met with calm, almost as if her wild and resilient companions recognised that she was not there to intrude, but to help protect and preserve their world. 'The elephants gave me their time. I spent so much of it with them that I came to know 50 individual females by sight. I even named each one. I followed them for four years. I felt accepted, and at the same time, I kept learning from them. 'We often misunderstand them. Elephants don't attack. Yet we use words like 'attack' or say they 'invade' our space. But I don't think those words are fair because the truth is, they were here long before us,' she explained. It's this quiet truth that fuels Nurzhafarina's lifelong mission to help humans and elephants coexist with understanding and respect, as she believes that local communities sharing the same landscape with Bornean elephants must learn to live in harmony, not through fear, but through tolerance and empathy. Founded in 2018, Seratu Aatai, which means 'united in heart' in the Sungai language, works closely with these communities through education and outreach to promote deeper awareness and compassion, not just for elephants, but for all forms of wildlife. Seratu Aatai is the only conservation group in Sabah solely dedicated to the protection of the Bornean elephant (Elephas maximus borneensis) in Lower Kinabatangan, a rich, biodiverse region over 300 kilometres from Kota Kinabalu, also home to orangutans, sun bears and the iconic proboscis monkey. The first time Nurzhafarina witnessed the reality of life for Bornean elephants in the wild, it changed her perspective forever. She saw not just the beauty of these gentle giants, but the struggle they face in navigating what little remains of their natural home, forests now surrounded and fragmented by human activity. That moment stirred something deep within her, a calling to become a voice for the elephants, a bridge between human and animal, so these creatures might continue to play their vital role in the forest ecosystem and the wider balance of nature. Speaking about her recent recognition as a recipient of the Whitley Award 2025, Nurzhafarina admitted it was difficult to put her emotions into words. Presented by the UK-based Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN), the award is known for its intense competitiveness and global prestige. On April 30, she received the £50,000 (approximately RM287,000) award from WFN Patron Princess Anne at the Royal Geographical Society in London, as a powerful endorsement of her work to protect the estimated 300 remaining Bornean elephants in eastern Sabah. The award also recognises her innovative approach in engaging stakeholders in the oil palm industry across the Lower Kinabatangan, encouraging elephant-friendly practices and building a network of safe corridors for the world's smallest elephant species. 'This award comes with great responsibility. I am grateful to the Whitley platform because it opens up more opportunities for me to share the story of the Bornean elephants. It also gives confidence to everyone working in the field that we are truly on the right path,' she said. For her, this is not just a career, it is a heartfelt expression of gratitude for the knowledge and skills she has been given to protect the Bornean elephant, a species classified as 'Endangered' on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List. While she acknowledges that uniting all parties in the conservation effort is challenging, Nurzhafarina hopes the local communities will join her in this vital mission. She believes it is essential to preserve Kinabatangan as a symbol of harmony and coexistence between humans and wildlife. 'I see Kinabatangan as a very special place. Despite the many challenges in maintaining wildlife habitats, this region remains resilient and strong. 'Sabah and Borneo are renowned for their natural wealth, with forests and wildlife that exist nowhere else. This is what draws people here. So, we must find a balance between development and environmental conservation,' she emphasised. Her words echo a deep bond, not only with the elephants she protects but with the land they share, reminding us all of the delicate harmony that sustains life in this unique corner of the world. * 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
