Latest news with #BorneoCulturalFestival
Borneo Post
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Bukit Assek rep calls for proactive local governance at SMC's Aidilfitri event
(From left) Mohammed Abdullah, Clarence, Chieng, and Raden Khairulzaman visit one of the stalls serving traditional village-style dishes that evoke nostalgic memories of Hari Raya in the old days. SIBU (April 30): The Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) plays a vital role as the frontline of government in delivering essential services and engaging with the community, said Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng Jin Ek. Speaking at the opening of the Hari Raya Nostalgia 2025 celebration hosted by SMC at Dewan Baitulmal Sibu last night, Chieng emphasised the importance of proactive and efficient governance at the local level. 'We must always be proactive, efficient, and responsive to the needs of the people. I believe that with strong teamwork and dedication, we can transform Sibu into a progressive, clean, and compassionate town,' he said. Chieng praised the council for organising a meaningful programme that not only fostered unity but also revived cherished traditional and cultural values. 'Celebrations like this are special because they remind us of our roots and bring people closer together, even in today's more modest and modern settings,' he said, before delivering a nostalgic Hari Raya poem that evoked memories of oil lamps, village celebrations, and heartfelt togetherness. Meanwhile, SMC deputy chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley highlighted the council's role in strengthening community spirit through festive and social initiatives. 'The theme 'Hari Raya Nostalgia' brings back memories of a simpler village life — peaceful evenings without gadgets, just laughter, stories, and love,' he said. He also shared the council's ongoing efforts, including the Borneo Cultural Festival, New Year celebrations, community sports, and the establishment of the SMC Child Council, which provides a platform for youth leadership and civic engagement. Mohammed Abdullah added that the Resident Council System (RCS), introduced in 2019, continues to serve as a structured avenue for residents to voice local concerns effectively. 'We will soon announce the appointment of area councillors who will serve as dedicated liaisons between the community and SMC,' he said, stressing the need for grassroots involvement in local governance. The event featured cultural performances, traditional Hari Raya songs, and festive delicacies that recreated the warmth of celebrating Aidilfitri in a village setting. Among those present were SMC chairman Clarence Ting Ing Horh; Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier Joshua Ting, Private Secretary to the Deputy Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat Stanley Chiew, Temenggong Stanley Geramong; SMC secretary Yong Ing Chu and organising chairman Cr Raden Khairulzaman Raden Bustari. Joseph Chieng Jin Ek lead sibu municipal council
Borneo Post
28-04-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Outgoing Indonesian Consul-General: Sibu an excellent model for friendship city ties, regional cooperation
Raden (second right), together with his wife Lucy (fourth left) receive a token of appreciation from Tiong (right) and Nee (third right). SIBU (April 29): Sibu serves as the best model for fostering international friendship and cooperation, said outgoing Consul-General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching Raden Sigit Witjaksono. Speaking at his appreciation and farewell ceremony on Sunday night, Raden said the close relationship forged between Sibu and various parties in Indonesia, including friendship city ties, demonstrated how regional cooperation can be effectively carried out. 'Sibu has become my second home and a symbol of the close ties between Indonesia and Sarawak. 'Efforts such as the collaboration between Sibu and Singkawang as well as participation in the Borneo Cultural Festival are examples of successful people-to-people relations,' he said. He emphasised that initiatives like these should be strengthened to further enhance cross-border ties between Indonesia and Malaysia, particularly in the Borneo region. Raden also highlighted other achievements throughout his three years of service, including in the areas of economy, education, healthcare, tourism, and infrastructure. 'Various cooperation projects have been initiated. This provides a strong foundation for my successor to elevate these relationships to greater heights,' he said, while expressing hopes the momentum would continue. He also touched on the potential for closer relations between Sarawak and Kalimantan, especially with the relocation of Indonesia's new capital, Nusantara, to East Kalimantan. 'The development of Nusantara will open up even more opportunities to strengthen ties not only with Sarawak, but with the whole of Borneo, including Sabah and Brunei.' Raden said the development of diplomatic relations should not only focus on the government and business levels, but must also be enhanced through people-to-people ties, such as through cultural and education programmes as well as student exchanges. He stressed that strong relations between government (G2G), business (B2B), and the people (people-to-people) are key to long-term success. 'My family and I will always cherish our memories of Sibu. If given the chance, we would love to return here, to our second home,' he said. Among those present were Raden's wife, Ibu Lucy Octavia Witjaksono and his son Farid Ryo Takashi Wicaksono; Rimbunan Hijau Group group managing director and Mafrica Group chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King; University of Technology Sarawak vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Khairuddin Abd Hamid; Sibu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) president Datuk Lau Cheng Kiong; Rimbunan Hijau Group, Mafrica Group and Rimbunan Sawit Berhad general manager (corporate relations) Dato Thomas Tieng Mee Tung; and his wife Datin Nee Lay King.
Borneo Post
28-04-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
‘Sibu an excellent model for friendship city ties, regional cooperation'
Raden (second right), together with his wife Lucy (fourth left) receive a token of appreciation from Tiong (right) and Nee (third right). SIBU (April 29): Sibu serves as the best model for fostering international friendship and cooperation, said outgoing Consul-General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching Raden Sigit Witjaksono. Speaking at his appreciation and farewell ceremony on Sunday night, Raden said the close relationship forged between Sibu and various parties in Indonesia, including friendship city ties, demonstrated how regional cooperation can be effectively carried out. 'Sibu has become my second home and a symbol of the close ties between Indonesia and Sarawak. 'Efforts such as the collaboration between Sibu and Singkawang as well as participation in the Borneo Cultural Festival are examples of successful people-to-people relations,' he said. He emphasised that initiatives like these should be strengthened to further enhance cross-border ties between Indonesia and Malaysia, particularly in the Borneo region. Raden also highlighted other achievements throughout his three years of service, including in the areas of economy, education, healthcare, tourism, and infrastructure. 'Various cooperation projects have been initiated. This provides a strong foundation for my successor to elevate these relationships to greater heights,' he said, while expressing hopes the momentum would continue. He also touched on the potential for closer relations between Sarawak and Kalimantan, especially with the relocation of Indonesia's new capital, Nusantara, to East Kalimantan. 'The development of Nusantara will open up even more opportunities to strengthen ties not only with Sarawak, but with the whole of Borneo, including Sabah and Brunei.' Raden said the development of diplomatic relations should not only focus on the government and business levels, but must also be enhanced through people-to-people ties, such as through cultural and education programmes as well as student exchanges. He stressed that strong relations between government (G2G), business (B2B), and the people (people-to-people) are key to long-term success. 'My family and I will always cherish our memories of Sibu. If given the chance, we would love to return here, to our second home,' he said. Among those present were Raden's wife, Ibu Lucy Octavia Witjaksono and his son Farid Ryo Takashi Wicaksono; Rimbunan Hijau Group group managing director and Mafrica Group chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King; University of Technology Sarawak vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Khairuddin Abd Hamid; Sibu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) president Datuk Lau Cheng Kiong; Rimbunan Hijau Group, Mafrica Group and Rimbunan Sawit Berhad general manager (corporate relations) Dato Thomas Tieng Mee Tung; and his wife Datin Nee Lay King.
