Latest news with #BorneoNativeFestival
Daily Express
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah's linopot a hit at Kuala Lumpur Borneo Fest
Published on: Friday, May 30, 2025 Published on: Fri, May 30, 2025 By: Lorena Binisol Text Size: Anna Stanislaus (left) and public enjoying linopot. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah's native cuisine is gaining widespread recognition with increasing demand for traditional dishes at cultural events such as the Borneo Native Festival (BNF), recently held in Kuala Lumpur. Among the most sought-after dishes was Linopot, a traditional dish where rice is wrapped in banana or Tarap leaves, an appreciation for Sabah's native food culture. According to Raffy Swazwan, President of the Sukaseni Association in Kuala Lumpur, Linopot had consistently been a festival favourite, attracting both local and international visitors eager to experience the authentic flavours of Sabah. He had encouraged passionate Sabahans to expand their culinary expertise beyond their home state, saying that traditional cuisine holds significant commercial potential in the food scene. One entrepreneur working to preserve and promote local cuisine is Anna Stanislaus, a Kadazan who owned Inai Kitchen, a small eatery in Penampang to keep Kadazandusun flavours alive. Inspired by her mother, Mathilda Sipili, Anna had long been passionate about preserving and innovating native dishes, ensuring they remain relevant especially for younger generations. Advertisement Her journey began in Kg. Kobusak, where she opened a small eatery catering to locals. Despite her commitment and passion, she admitted that she never received financial assistance from the government. Determined to pursue her dream, she worked to fund her own venture. Inai Kitchen first opened in 2022, next to her home. However, frequent flooding forced her to shut down repeatedly, making it difficult to sustain her little business. In seeking stability, she relocated her shop to Country Heights Plaza, choosing a flood-free location where she could continue with her little business. She continued reviving traditional dishes with a modern twist, hoping to bridge heritage and contemporary tastes. She believes that it can help younger generations connect with their roots, preventing traditional dishes from being overshadowed by fast-food trends. As Kaamatan continues to be celebrated throughout May, traditional food remains central to the festivities. With entrepreneurs like Anna pushing Sabah's cuisine onto a bigger stage, and with dishes like Linopot gaining recognition, the appreciation for indigenous flavours became stronger. She also shared her skills in preparing traditional dishes such as Bambangan, Tuhau, and Hinava, which she learned from her family and remained grateful for. Growing up, she embraced the knowledge passed down to her, turning her passion for native cuisine into an income-generating hobby. By refining the recipes and incorporating them into her menu, she continues to honour her heritage while making a living through her love of food. As rice is the staple food of communities, the legendary story of its origins continues to be honoured. The journey from paddy to rice is a symbol of gratitude to farmers who sustain the tradition. 'In this context, Linopot holds deep significance, not only as a traditional dish but as a way to preserve and promote our legacy, particularly among younger generations,' she said.
Borneo Post
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Foundation features ‘Sape Ambassadors' at Borneo Native Fest in KL
Volunteers gather for a group photo at the YPS booth, open throughout the Borneo Native Festival at the Central Market in Kuala Lumpur. KUCHING (May 23): Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak (YPS) is now at the Central Market in Kuala Lumpur for the three-day Borneo Native Festival (BNF), running until May 25. The foundation's participation at this cultural and heritage gathering marks its first appearance outside Sarawak, bringing together its 'Sape Ambassadors'. 'Our participation at this festival is very much awaited and the stage performance is our first away from home,' said a YPS spokesman in a statement today. 'The Sape Ambassadors have their followers in Sarawak and they have been well received for their unique stage presentation.' The 'Sape Ambassadors' have gained prominence in Sarawak after numerous public performances, including at the Borneo Cultural Festival, an international tourism event held in Sibu last year, and also their last concert at the closing of the annual Kaul Mukah Festival earlier this month. The 'Sape Ambassadors' are a group of talented musical youths, trained in sape, the traditional boat lute of the Orang Ulu. 'These 'Ambassadors' comprise youths representing all races in Sarawak, Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia, including representation from the Orang Asli community. 'They adorn their colourful traditional costumes playing the sape to the beat to local favourite songs in all languages in Malaysia including Mandarin, Kadazan-Dusun, Orang Asli and Tamil, besides the various Sarawak's indigenous languages. 'Their songs are local favourites, including oldies and other community hits like the Iban's 'Berkikis Bulu Betis', Kadazan-Dusun's 'Anak Kampung' and the Mandarin version of 'Mei Lan Wo Ai Ni'. 'This makes for a unique musical presentation; hence, the adoption of the stage theme 'Rhythm of Unity',' the spokesman added. Backed-up by Amir Hamzah from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), the 'Sape Ambassadors' stand as one of YPS signature projects in its nationwide 'Unity in Diversity' promotion. These Ambassadors are performing at the BNF in KL's Central Market today, from 4pm to 5pm. The spokesman added: 'YPS will have a booth located at the festival site where a mini exhibition featuring YPS's vision and mission and its activity promotions. 'We also invite everyone to a special 'Jum Kelaka Sarawak' (Let's Speak Sarawak) session, taking place at the booth throughout the festival where you can polish up your colloquial Sarawak dialects.' Entry to the festival is free. Borneo Native Festival Sape Ambassadors Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak YPS
Hype Malaysia
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
Borneo Native Festival 2025: A Vibrant Celebration Of Culture & Unity!
As the Harvest Festivals (Hari Gawai and Pesta Kaamatan) approach, the lively heart of Downtown Kuala Lumpur is gearing up for an unforgettable experience. Mark your calendars for the Borneo Native Festival, happening from May 23rd to 25th at Central Market! This annual event shines a spotlight on the rich culture and traditions of Borneo's indigenous communities, and it's not one to miss. Now in its fourth year, this festival—proudly organized by Persatuan Sukaseni with the support of Tourism Malaysia, returns to celebrate this creative and cultural affair. Once again, the iconic Central Market Kuala Lumpur, affectionately known as Pasar Seni, will set the stage for this vibrant event to take place. If you missed out on the previous editions, get ready to dive into a world of captivating performances, mouthwatering traditional foods, and a showcase of Borneo's rich cultural treasures. Get ready to groove along with incredible performers including Belle Sisoski, Tompuvan, Alena Murang, Tuni Sundatang, At Adau, and Roxy Ixzy. The festival will also be hosting the beloved 'Borneo Creative Dance Competition'. This is your chance to let loose and embrace the spirit of togetherness with some lively Poco-Poco and Joget Lambak dancing. Don't miss the Miss Ethnic Borneo pageant, where contestants will dazzle you with their grace while representing the region's rich tapestry of cultures. As you cheer for your favourites, take a moment to explore the delightful array of handmade goods, from intricate textiles to unique jewellery and organic skincare products. And let's not forget the food! Get your taste buds ready for an authentic culinary adventure. Sample famous dishes like Laksa Sarawak, Kek Lapis, Hinava, and of course, the iconic Tuak (rice wine). Here are all the details for the event: Borneo Native Festival 2025 Dates: 23rd – 25th May 2025 (Friday – Sunday) Time: 10am – 10pm (all days) Venue: Central Market Organiser: Persatuan Sukaseni Persatuan Sukaseni Itinerary: For more information on the celebration, check out Borneo Native Festival's official social media. Are you ready to celebrate the rich culture and traditions of Borneo's indigenous communities?
Borneo Post
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Borneo Native Festival returns to KL
(Seated, from left to right): Paul, Shazrean, Raffy and Juinah at the press conference. KOTA KINABALU (May 16): The fourth edition of the Borneo Native Festival will take place at Pasar Seni, Kuala Lumpur from May 23 to 25, to celebrate Sabah and Sarawak native cultures. 'This festival aims to bring the vibes of the Kaamatan and Gawai festivals to the Peninsular, so that people of the two states who are unable to make it home can celebrate there and to introduce to other people the annual cultural events,' said the festival director, Raffy Syazwan Arpandi, at a press conference here recently. Raffy said among the activities planned include beauty pageants, dance competitions and selling of various products by local entrepreneurs. He said it is also a pre-introduction to Kaamatan and Gawai, where those who want to experience the real thing can fly to Sabah or Sarawak after. This year's event is supported by several agencies including Institute for Development Studies (IDS) Sabah, Sabah Creative Economy and Innovation Centre (Scenic) and Department of Industrial Development and Research (DIDR). It is also supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) and the Ministry of Unity, with the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) as the strategic partner. DIDR will be bringing 12 local entrepreneurs to showcase their handicraft as well as traditional food and beverages such as linopot and tuak. Scenic's initiative is to give market access through 11 social entrepreneurs it is bringing to this festival, related to the handicraft, food and beverages and health industry sectors. IDS Sabah will be bringing two entrepreneurs showcasing handicraft made out of banana fibre as well as copper, with a focus on a bottom-top approach to uplift economies at the grassroots level. Several local artists will be performing at the event, including Tompuvan, Dabra Sia, Belle Sisoki and Alena Murang. A mob dance trail is also planned from TRX Kuala Lumpur to Pavilion to Pasar Seni, which will highlight the Datun Julud dance. A total of 90,000 visitors are expected at this year's event, while the sales target is around RM200,000. Deputy Economy Minister Dato Hajjah Hanifah Hajar Taib and Deputy Motac Minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan are expected to officiate. In terms of entrepreneur participation, around 200 are anticipated. Also present at the press conference were DIDR Sabah economic affairs assistant officer Juinah Lipat, Scenic Innovation Driven Entrepreneurship assistant manager (Capacity Building Ecosystem Department) Shazrean Shah Saptu and IDS Sabah research associate Paul Canigea Pungut.
